another thing to pay attention to is the announcing of the times.

driver 1: 19 - 5:03
driver 2: 18 - 5:03

Driver 1 is faster than driver 2 because he is able to squeeze in one more lap in the time 5 minute qualifier. If he were to go even faster, it would go to 20 - 5:xx depending on the average laptime. It is good to hear the 5:xx number get lower because you know that you are on your pace - or going even faster.