Junqueira retains pole

While the track dried, a number of untimely red flags ruined most of the drivers' final runs.

The only change that came from the provisional grid from Friday was from Sebastien Bourdais who moved up from ninth to join his team mate Bruno Junqueira on the front row, by virtue of being fastest in the Saturday session.

Bourdais, who had been ninth after the first day qualifying was happy, and the Frenchman also scores a championship point. His best run came when the green flew with just three minutes to run, and he leapt up the time sheets, bumping reigning champion Tracy from the front row.

But it will be his Junqueira that will start from pole for Sunday's race. The Brazilian, already secure of a front row starting position's session, made an engine change in the morning, and only ran three laps in the afternoon session, but he is in good spirits, and ready to race.

"It's pretty good to come up in the first day of competition and end the day in front," Junqueira said. "I think my car is good. Out of the box it was very, very quick. Hopefully we can keep it for Sunday's race."

AJ Allmendinger remained the top rookie and will start in eight place, while Justin Wilson - the only British driver in the field - had a frustrating session after an early spin and stall left him stranded in the escape road for some eight minutes. He will make his Champ Car debut in 11th.