GP3 points leader Mitch Evans says poles could be crucial in title fight outcome

MW Arden racer Evans scored his second successive pole of the season on Saturday morning at Silverstone, outpacing title rival Aaro Vainio of Lotus GP by 0.3s. On the back of his pole at Valencia, he now leads Vainio by eight points, 82 to 74.

"It could be crucial," said Evans of the extra points on offer for poles. "Any points you can gain are important, and there's clearly a great benefit from getting pole position. Those four points you get all add-up, especially when it comes to the last few races, and can make a lot of difference over the season."

Evans admitted to a mistake on his first set of tyres in qualifying at Silverstone, and briefly left the track in the tricky conditions, but nailed his pole on a stunning second run.

"I had a bit of pressure on me going onto that second set, but it was a good lap," he added. "The conditions were tough, it wasn't totally dry on the racing line in places."

Title rival Vainio is also acutely aware of the situation as he lost another four points to Evans, having scored four of his own points from securing pole at Monaco.

"I think that losing the points for pole is more important than losing the position of starting from there, because starting P2 I have 14 laps to get ahead of him," said Vainio, who starts second in this afternoon's race.

"If the guy who's on pole is 27th in the championship, then it doesn't matter, but if it's your main rival, it's big news."