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Vettel made decision to use softs in final Q3 run

19:09, 12 May 2018

byJake Williams-Smith

Sebastian Vettel says that the decision for the German to run the soft compound tyres in his final run in Q3 was down to him. The Ferrari man was in with a chance of pole but surprised many in the paddock by emerging from his garage on the yellow-walled soft tyre.

The Ferrari man ended up qualifying third fastest behind the Mercedes pair but despite being happy enough with his lap, was left disappointed with the result.

“It was a bit confusing because Q2 was really plain sailing. The car was pretty good on the soft tyres, I had a couple of tenths in hand, I knew come Q3 we had something in the pocket which was good.

“But then on the super-soft first lap it just didn’t happen. I locked up into turn one and I never got the grip that I was looking for.”

Vettel went on to say that his feeling in the car in the session previously was down to a decision he made by himself.

“It was straightforward because I had such a good feeling in Q2,” he said.

“I asked and we decided to go back to the softs and I think that was the right call. The lap was good. Maybe there was a tiny bit but not enough to get to the first row.”