Lewis Hamilton’s pole hanging in the balance

After a tremendous qualifying session which saw Lewis Hamilton storm to pole position by five tenths for tomorrow’s Spanish Grand Prix, it looks possible that he could receive a penalty after the McLaren driver was ordered to stop his car on track only moments after clinching pole.

As celebrations began in the McLaren garages, the race stewards decided to investigate the issue after Hamilton was apparently ordered to stop on the track due to an unknown issue. However, this unknown issue could well transpire to be because Hamilton was out of fuel, and therefore needed to save some for the FIA’s sample later on.

With the race stewards decision delayed due to the GP2 and GP3 races after qualifying, it is still unknown as to whether Hamilton will start on pole for tomorrow’s race, or if Pastor Maldonado will get promoted to that position.

As the rain clouds bubble up over the Circuit de Catalunya, it looks as though it is going to rain on Lewis Hamilton’s parade. However, McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh is confident no penalty will materialize.

If the 2008 World Champion does receive a penalty, it will promote Pastor Maldonado to pole-position for tomorrow’s Spanish Grand Prix. Alongside the Venezuelan driver would then be local hero Fernando Alonso, a scenario that would greatly please the Spanish fans and the Ferrari faithful.

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