• Turkish Grand Prix - Qualifying

Broken roll-bar to blame for Vettel's Q3 woes

Sebastian Vettel surveys the damage after qualifying © Sutton Images

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• Race:
• Turkish Grand Prix

• Championship:
• FIA Formula One World Championship

• Drivers:
• Sebastian Vettel

• Teams:
• Red Bull

Red Bull has identified a broken roll-bar as the reason for Sebastian Vettel's lack of pace during Q3 in Turkey.

After qualifying Vettel said: "In Q3, the first lap was brilliant up to turn 12, then under braking I slightly locked the front which was no issue, but it was very weird as the inside front just kept locking and never came back. Going into turn 13 I was turning to the right and the wheels started turning again and then the same thing going into turn 14. I locked the inside wheel very easily, the car didn't seem to stop, so I lost time. On the second run I got confirmation in the first turn there was a problem, as I hit the brakes and went straight - I lost the ability to stop the car and the inside wheel didn't do what it was supposed to. In Q1 and Q2 we were on top of the game, but in Q3 we were not, so it's quite frustrating."

Team principal Christian Horner later revealed: "It looks like it was the roll-bar linkage. With no control over the roll of the car, as soon you turn in the car just rolls over. So he just locked the inside front wheel as it stuck up in the air."

Unlike general setup changes, or changes to the engine or gearbox, Red Bull is able to replace the roll-bar before the race without incurring a penalty. Vettel will start the Istanbul Park race from third on the grid, but he was visibly disappointed at missing out on pole.

"We are on the clean side [of the grid], so let's see, it's a long race. But with this year's regulations and no more fuel pit stops it is a bit difficult to make up places," said Vettel.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.