F3: Manning on provisional Macau pole

The TOM'S driver, who was fastest in the morning's free practice session, was on pole for most of the incident filled session that was red-flagged after a spectacular accident.

'We like that,' said Manning. 'The car is working well and we didn't use any new tyres in that session.

'I have found a really good rhythm and, despite clipping a barrier on the exit of the hairpin on one of my laps, I had no problems at all. We will just fine-tune the car now.'

Opel BSR team-mates Andre Couto and Christijan Albers were second and third quickest respectively after mixed fortunes during the day.

Couto lost track time with a tyre problem early in qualifying, while Albers had to concentrate on setting his car up after losing track time in free practice with a gearbox problem.

'I am still not happy with my car and I have still got a lot of work to do,' said Albers, the German Formula Three Champion.

'It is going to be very difficult to match Manning's time but if we can get under a one minute 15 second lap then I will be very happy.'

The session had to be stopped after a collision between Italian Gabriele Varano and local driver Michael Ho.

Varano had spun in the middle of the track at Paiol and was unsighted by Ho, who could do nothing to prevent an accident.

Both cars were badly damaged but neither driver was injured.

Briton Jenson Button was the leading rookie driver as he ended the session seventh overall.

'It's going well,' admitted the Promatecme driver. 'In the morning session I was being cautious and I've pushed harder and harder with each lap. I've still not found my limit.'

Marc Hynes ended the day 21st overall while Andrew Kirkaldy was 25th.