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Final starting grid GP Saudi Arabia|Four teams in first four spots

Final starting grid GP Saudi Arabia|Four teams in first four spots

19-03-2023 15:45 Last update: 17:33

GPblog.com

The starting grid for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has been set by the FIA. As expected, almost nothing has changed from Saturday's qualifying.

With drivers from four different teams in the first four positions, it promises to be an exciting start. Pole position is for Sergio Perez, with Fernando Alonso next to him. The second row of the grid is occupied by George Russell and Carlos Sainz. Lance Stroll completes the top five, meaning Aston Martin is the only team with two drivers in the top five. Max Verstappen managed to set the fastest time in every free practice, including a time in FP3 that is very close to the pole time but could not get beyond spot 15 in qualifying due to a technical failure.

A notable name in the top ten is Oscar Piastri. The Australian could not get out of Q1 in the first race of the year and had the dubious distinction of being the first driver to DNF of the season. This time, Piastri set the ninth fastest time and will start from spot eight.

Compared to the results of qualifying, there is only one change that was already known in advance: Charles Leclerc has a grid penalty of ten spots and will start from 12th position. The other comment made by the FIA on the starting grid is that Logan Sargeant will be allowed to join the race, despite not falling within the 107 per cent rule. The FIA earlier announced it would not exclude the Williams driver.

Final starting grid GP Saudi Arabia 2023