Race 2 qualifying: Pla takes pole

Olivier Pla will start the second round of the Formula 3 Euroseries from pole position after topping the opening qualifying session of the year at Hockenheim

Apr 26, 2003, 6:46 AM

Pla lapped his ASM-run Dallara in 1m34.515s, 0.092s quicker than testing pace setter Ryan Briscoe (Prema). Pla said: "Initially I was having some problems, but they were solved quickly. Then, the car and engine were perfect."

Briscoe, who lapped in 1m34.607s, said: "I had enough speed for pole, but Olivier had a bit more luck."

Nico Rosberg was third fastest for his world champion father's team, ahead of private entrant Alexander Margaritis, Pla's team-mate Alexandre Premat and Rosberg's partner Andreas Zuber. Qualifying for today's race (Saturday) takes place at 12.00 (11.00 BST).

1 Olivier Pla (ASM) Dallara-Mercedes 1m34.515s
2 Ryan Briscoe (Prema Powerteam) Dallara-Opel 1m34.607s
3 Nico Rosberg (Team Rosberg) Dallara-Opel 1m34.701s
4 Alexander Margaritis (driver) Dallara-Opel 1m34.706s
5 Alexandre Premat (ASM) Dallara-Mercedes 1m34.775s
6 Andreas Zuber (Team Rosberg) Dallara-Opel 1m34.781s