Watt wins pole at Spa

'This has been a difficult season for me,' the Super Nova driver said.

'The competition in F3000 has certainly been tougher than ever. Although I have generally been on the pace, a number of small details have contrived to keep me off the podium on a more regular basis.

'I won here two years ago, however, and I'm definitely aiming for a repeat. I want to finish the season on a high note and a win will give me the boost I need if I am to take my career forward next season.'

Budapest pole position winner Fabrice Walfisch (Draco), who got the best of an opening session that took place on a wet/dry track, joins Watt at the front of the grid.

'You had to get your timing right,' Walfisch said, 'because the track was getting faster every lap. My car was very good, but you had to be in the right place at the right time to make the most of the conditions.

'Fortunately, I was, and I'm pleased to be at the front again because it proves my pole in Hungary was no fluke.'

Bruno Junqueira (Petrobras) is best placed of those drivers chasing second place in the championship behind title winner Nick Heidfeld (West).

Junqueira lines up third - but reckoned he could have taken pole had his Lola not developed a fuel pump problem that stranded him on the track halfway through his final qualifying lap.

All five British drivers qualified for the race - and series returnee Dino Morelli delighted the Coloni team by qualifying on the eighth row on his first-ever visit to Spa.


Qualifying times
Even numbers (right side of the grid)