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Story of qualifying: Mercedes back on top at F1's aero track

Normal service was resumed at the Spanish Grand Prix as Mercedes locked out the front row at Barcelona, but it was still an intriguing session.

Shock: That so many drivers didn't set their fastest time on the super-soft tyre. Usually tyre choice for Q3 is simple: go for the softest compound to get the most grip. But in Spain, both Ferraris, Daniel Ricciardo and Fernando Alonso set their fastest time on the soft compound (the second fastest on offer in Barcelona). It's also worth noting that all of the top ten apart from Alonso set their fastest Q2 time on the soft, meaning they will start the race on that tyre and aim for a one-stop strategy.