On-form Minassian grabs first pole

The Kid Jensen Lola driver was the only driver to crack the 1m 38s barrier - and believes he is well placed to win.

'The car is very fast and very consistent,' he said.

'I knew from my first lap, which was a 1m 38.1s, that I was in good shape. It is a reward for all the hard work the team has done.

'This is a tough formula for a new team like ours, but we are getting stronger all the time and I think we are in very good shape.'

Petrobras Junior's Bruno Junqueira was fastest in the second practice group to join Minassian at the front - and the consistent Brazilian is hoping for a change of luck.

'I have generally qualified well,' he said, 'but things have not gone so well in the races. Last time I was rammed at the first corner by Jason Watt; this time I just ask that no one hits me so that I get chance to drive my own race."'

Series leader Nick Heidfeld starts third.

'The biggest concern is that I'm half a second slower than Nicolas,' the German said. 'The car was pretty good, but the track did not feel the same as it did when we tested here and I'm not sure where we were losing out.

'Still, as [closest title rival] Gonzalo Rodriguez is back on the eighth row it takes away a little pressure.'

Even numbers (right side of the grid)


Qualifying times