The HRT Team members were instantly overjoyed on the spot. According to the team's prediction, with Chen Xiangbei starting on intermediate tyres, he'd at least drop one or two places off the line.
But Chen Xiangbei's performance was way better than expected!
However, the good times didn't last long. Starting from pole, Chen Xiangbei had the clean side of the track and the best racing line.
But the phase where tyre grip differs the most is in the corners.
And at this moment, "red‑eyed" Hamilton unleashed his not‑yet‑famous "golden left‑front" attack, brutally upping the pace on the inside, pulling alongside, and going through the corner wheel‑to‑wheel with Chen Xiangbei.
Hamilton wanted to force his way past Chen Xiangbei in Turn 1!
With the McLaren nose already visible in the corner of his eye, Chen Xiangbei's expression was extremely grim.
