SOCHI, Russia -- Fernando Alonso thinks fans at the Sochi Autodrom probably enjoyed the Formula Two support race more than qualifying for the Russian Grand Prix itself on Saturday.
Qualifying in Sochi was bizarre, with a slew of engine penalties meaning Alonso, Toro Rosso and Red Bull were already set for starts at the back of the grid, while it also exposed an odd quirk in F1's regulations. The 10 cars which progress to Q3, the final session, must start on the tyre it set its quickest Q2 tyre on, while everyone else effectively gets a free choice.