F1 LIVE | Qualifying for the 2022 French Grand Prix

The 12th qualifying session of this Formula One season is upon us and the venue is Paul Ricard. In France, another 20 drivers will decide who will start from pole position. As has been the case all year, Red Bull Racing and Ferrari seem to be making the difference.

Qualifying for the French Grand Prix

In the first three free practice sessions, Red Bull and Ferrari made the best impression. Mercedes are not as far off as they were at the start of the season, but the German team seems to need a miracle if they are to qualify on the front row for the first time this season. What does help, of course, is Carlos Sainz's grid penalty. Mercedes have already gained a free spot.

Ferrari strong in last sector

Ferrari will be looking to beat Red Bull mainly in the twisty third sector. The F1-75 has more traction and has been the fastest in the final sector all weekend. Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez again excel at top speed, and Sector 2 in particular (and to a lesser extent Sector 1) should be where they secure pole position.

It promises to be over 30 degrees Celsius again during qualifying. The track temperature can rise to over 60 degrees Celsius. It will therefore be a challenge for the drivers to keep the tyres alive for a whole lap. They will have to be careful not to demand everything from the rubber in the first two sectors, otherwise, difficulties will follow in the slower final corners of the track.