Ericsson takes Macau provisional pole

Marcus Ericsson kept his TOM's team on course for an historic hat-trick of victories in the Macau Grand Prix when he secured provisional pole position in Thursday's first qualifying session

Jonathan Noble Nov 19, 2009, 6:48 AM

The Swede moved to the top of the timesheet with just two minutes of qualifying remaining - and the spot was guaranteed when the session had to be red-flagged seconds later after Laurens Vanthoor crashed at Police Bend.

British Formula 3 champion Daniel Ricciardo took an impressive second place on the provisional grid with a late lap - admitting that he had surpassed his expectations for his maiden Macau weekend on the very first day of action.

Edoardo Mortara ended up third quickest, having vied for the top spot with eventual fourth fastest Brendon Hartley for much of the session before Ericsson and Ricciardo's late efforts moved him down.

Briton Sam Bird was fifth quickest, with Vanthoor securing sixth spot despite his late accident.

ART rookie Valtteri Bottas had been at the top of the timesheet early in the session but crashed out at Lisboa Bend after 15 minutes and ended up 10th, while his team-mate, F3 Euro Series champion Jules Bianchi was only 15th.