Team Miscue Costs Allmendinger

The team miscounted the number of laps Allmendinger had completed and as a result the rookie exceeded the maximum 15-lap allocation. The Californian's fastest time was docked, relegating him from fifth to 11th.

It was a major blow for Allmendinger because he had been at the sharp end of the charts throughout the session, even toppling Sebastien Bourdais at the halfway mark (albeit briefly).

"It's been a frustrating weekend," said the 23-year-old. "Yesterday we struggled to find grip with the car and we were more off the pace than any of us wanted or expected to be.

"We did the work and today the RuSPORT car was much better and it felt really good. We were right there with Sebastien and challenging for the pole. Heck, I even had pole for a while. So losing my fastest lap because of the black flag is very frustrating.

"The good news is that my teammate Justin Wilson has a front row start and that my car has improved over the weekend and is a much better race car now."

Allmendinger will have his work cut out tomorrow because the sinuous Fundidora Park circuit presents few overtaking opportunities. RuSPORT team are known, however, for employing out-of-sequence pit stop strategy to make up track position, so his progress will be well worth watching.