Pizzonia confident in any weather

Pizzonia's pole was decided in unusual circumstances for a Superleague event, as the knock-out phase was cancelled due to torrential rain. He will share the front row with reigning drivers' champion Davide Rigon, as they topped the group sessions.

"I'm very happy as it's our second pole in three races," said Pizzonia. "We looked very strong in the dry, I managed to set the best time, but it could have been even better. I made a mistake at the Esses, and if it wasn't for that I think I would have been half a second faster.

"And the good thing is that the car also has a good performance in the wet. So, rain or shine, I am very positive for tomorrow."

The title race took some twists and turns today, with second-placed Tottenham Hotspur's Craig Dolby bouncing back from an engine change in practice to qualify sixth. Points leader Adrian Valles will start 10th, after claiming he was held up by GP2 champion Giorgio Pantano on his quickest lap. Race stewards took no action, despite three visits from Valles' team boss.

"We started today on the back foot, but I'm really looking forward to the races now," said Dolby. "I won at Zolder from P6 and I'm determined to do it again here. With Adrian back in 10th, it's good news for my title hopes."