Oscar Piastri has explained how "sticking" to McLaren's guns was a key part of defeating Max Verstappen for Emilia Romagna GP pole after a tyre "mystery."
The Australian snatched pole by 0.034s from the world champion at Imola, overhauling a deficit of 0.049s after the first Q3 runs, with teams using the brand-new C6 tyre for the first time.
Pirelli's new compound is a step softer than the C5, but some teams were able to use mediums in Q2 and Q3 to obtain good grid spots, with Piastri talking through the challenge of the new rubber, as he also explained how a lack of slipstream impacted him.
"It was a great session, but very tough after the delays, the red flags and then also the tyres," Piastri explained.
"The tyres were very tricky, and after yesterday, everyone thought the C6 was not too bad, and then today, it was a real mystery.
"I had about four cars in the last corner, which didn't help, but it was enough, so I'm happy with the job we've done and am excited for tomorrow.
"I wasn't thrilled to be the first car on track, but it wasn't too much difference, although I lost the slipstream going first, but didn't have any disturbed air.
"That helped a little bit, but we've got enough pace to be able to do that and to stick to our guns, and that is what we did, so the team did a great job of executing that one."
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