Burti keeps pole on second run

The Brazilian fired in his quickest lap early on in the first qualifying session when conditions were at their best. However, he was still confident there was more performance to come from his car.

'Since Brands Hatch last week we've made some changes to the car and improved it,' explained Burti.

'I always knew it would be important to go quickly early on as the tyres go off very fast here.'

British star Jenson Button was one of only four drivers to improve in the second qualifying session. Both he and his Promatecme team-mate Aluizio Coelho, finding half a second.

'I saw my times on old tyres early in the session and knew I could go faster,' said Button, who had only been eighth in the first session. 'I don't think I've ever tried so hard in a racing car, but the times just got better with every lap.'

Fortec's Kristian Kolby was a happily-surprised third despite being bumped down the order by Button's late second.

'The car's not perfect, but the times are much better than I thought they would be. It looks very promising for the race,' he said.

Andrew Kirkaldy underlined Stewart's progress, the Scot vying with Button for the top rookie spot and underlining his own steadily-improving reputation by out-qualifying Championship leader Marc Hynes.

'It took a bit of holding on to get that time in,' recounted a wide-eyed Hynes. Unfortunately, we did our usual job of being quick in testing and then changing the car and going slower. It's a shame.'

Final qualifying times from Oulton Park