Oscar Piastri has declared it is 'nice to be back' after roaring to Qatar Grand Prix Sprint pole position - his first in any format in three months.
Despite a huge moment of oversteer at Turn 4 on his final flying lap, Piastri posted a 1:20.055 to pip George Russell to pole by 0.032s with Lando Norris down in third, nearly two-tenths slower.
After his wobble in form, Piastri has not claimed a pole position in any format since the Dutch Grand Prix in August as his points lead evaporated to a 24-point deficit.
However, the Australian, who has won the two previous Qatar Sprints, was buoyed by his return to form in Lusail, after also topping the sole practice session.
"It was a good day, which is nice for a change, and it has been a day where things have clicked, from the start," Piastri explained.
"The Sprint quali session went really well, and I had a pretty big moment on my lap, but it was just enough in the end. The car has been really good this weekend, so I'm pretty happy.
"I think if you hook it up, there was a 1:19 in there, but I'm just happy with the result. There are obviously a few things to try and tidy up, but it is nice to be able to say that when you are starting on pole.
"It's only Sprint pole and for a few points, but I will take whatever I can get.
"Sprint weekends are always really tough to know if you are fully on top of things from when you roll on the track, but the car was really good all day.
"We made some good adjustments in qualifying, which was nice, and the pace was there all day, so hopefully, we can keep that running."
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