Pole-winner Heidfeld eyes record

The West Lola driver has won seven times in the past two seasons and currently ties with 1998 champion Juan Pablo Montoya in the all-time winners' list.

'It would certainly be nice to finish on a high,' Heidfeld said, 'but the most important thing this year was to win the championship.

'If I can set any more records...well, it would be nice, but I have to say that I'm already satisfied with what we have achieved this year.'

Heidfeld set a string of quick laps to put pole beyond his rivals' reach, although Spa winner Jason Watt (Super Nova) believes he can win again after qualifying alongside Heidfeld at the front.

'I always go well here,' he said.

'It's one of my favourite circuits and I have been second in each of the previous two seasons. I'm out to go one better this time.'

Briton Justin Wilson gave Belgian team Astromega a lift by qualifying sixth for its first race since its lead driver Gonzalo Rodriguez died.

The popular Uruguayan was killed while practising for a race in the US-based Champ Car series earlier this month.

Rodriguez's car has been left empty at the Nurburgring as a mark of respect.

There will be a memorial service for him in the UK at Silverstone village church on Tuesday, October 5. It begins at 13.00.

Qualifying times