Max Chilton dedicates Iowa Indy Lights pole to Jules Bianchi

The pair shared the Marussia garage from the start of the 2013 Formula 1 season through to the fateful weekend at Japan in 2014, with Chilton going on to drive a single car in what would be the team's final race at the following round in Russia.

Bianchi died yesterday from injuries sustained in a crash during last year's Japanese Grand Prix.

"I'm throwing that one to Jules," said the Carlin driver.

"It wasn't easy and I'm sure if Jules was out there he would have been on pole [instead of me].

"I tried my best, but Jules was one of those drivers who was destined for big things.

"I was his team-mate for two years, and I had to have an absolutely perfect day to beat him - more often than not, he'd beat me.

"I learned a lot from him, and even though he never raced on ovals I'm sure that I took a lot of what I learned from him out there today.

"I dedicate this one to him.

"I was [inspired]; I knew he would do anything to get back in a race car, and I knew we had the car [to be on pole], so I just wanted to go for it."