Sergey Afanasyev on cloud nine after unexpected pole position

Craft-Bamboo Lukoil’s Sergey Afanasyev took his maiden pole position in Bahrain earlier today. The Russian driver did not realize his lap was good enough for pole, and learned it long after he crossed the line due to radio issues.

“It’s a very strange feeling, because I wasn’t even aware of the result, as the radio was working on and off,” said the pole sitter. “I had a good pace but was certainly not under the impression that it could mean pole position! It’s great for the team, for Lukoil and for me, and it means we worked well.”

Afanasyev believes the limited track time due to the red flags in Free Practice means most drivers are still trying to get to grips with the track: “It was difficult to make any prediction, because we had little time for practice yesterday and most of us do not know the track. Real practice started today with qualifying and, of course, I am very happy.”

The Russian now leads the championship, as he was awarded five points for pole position as usual.