Norris grabs 1st career pole ahead of Russian GP

Sports Desk, Sep 25 (EFE).- British Formula One driver Lando Norris (McLaren) on Saturday claimed his first-ever pole position, ahead of the Russian Grand Prix.

In his best efforts, the Briton lapped the 5.848-km Sochi Autodrom in one minute and 41.993s.

“It feels amazing. I don’t know what to say,” Norris told the F1 media afterwards.

“You never think you’re going to get a pole until you actually do it, but here we are. I have to thank the team so much,” he said.

“It’s not really what we expected but we made the most of the opportunity!” he added.

Spaniard Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) will start Sunday’s race from the first row as he came second 0.517s behind the Briton.

“This weekend we’ve been looking a bit stronger. We will put on a fight (in the race) and try to have some fun,” the Spaniard said.

Briton George Russell (Williams) was third, ahead of his countryman Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), who dropped the lead in the final laps as he hit the pit wall and then lost control on his Mercedes on his final effort.

“It’s crazy [P3]. The team have done a great job, getting the strategy right and putting the right tyres on at the right time,” Russell said afterwards.

“Congratulations to Lando and to Carlos. We’re really looking forward to tomorrow’s race. We have nothing to lose,” he added.