Mansell admits to pole worries

The 1992 world champion took pole for tomorrow's 45-minute race in dominant style, taking the position halfway through the session before going even quicker on his subsequent run.

However, he was worried that a red flag in the middle of the session for debris had ruined his best chance of taking the top spot.

"It was a little bit worrying to start with," Mansell said. "I was 12th. I was on a really good lap, and then obviously there was a red flag, and that used up probably my best set of tyres.

"It was a bit touch-and-go, but it was a fantatic grid and so close. For it to be so hot and still have the same amount for grip that we had, was awesome.

"It was quite stunning - the track temperature before we went out was about 62 or 64 degree Celsius. They obviously have some special mix in the asphalt, because our roads would be closed down in the whole country if that happened.

"I can't remember a Grand Prix circuit I've been on when I've had so many challenges over one lap."