Pole day: Junqueira claims top spot

The 25-year-old CART regular, who won the previous Champ Car race at Motegi, set a four-lap average of 231.342mph to head the grid for the May 26 race.

"I thought I could qualify in the first or second row," he said. "One thing I have learned in one year of racing ovals is you have to be patient, especially in the race. But today I was the first one to qualify. That can be good or bad - you never know what can happen."

Having completed his single-car qualifying run, Junqueira had to wait seven anxious hours to find out if anyone could beat his mark.

Surprisingly, Robbie Buhl got the closest to take second on the grid. He waved off his first run and came back later in the day to record his time. "We had that run early but waved it off, and that paid off," said Buhl. "I was pretty adamant on the radio that we could do better, and it was the right call."

Veteran Raul Boesel was another surprise, taking the final spot on the front row. He had only been drafted in as a late replacement for PJ Jones who was injured in a practice crash earlier in the week.

Mo Nunn Racing duo Felipe Giaffone and Tony Kanaan were fourth and fifth, the later being the fastest rookie. Penske duo Helio Castroneves and Gi de Ferran were lower than expected in 13th and 14th.

Team Green had an even tougher day. Paul Tracy destroyed his car in a morning practice shunt, while Dario Franchitti was forced out with an engine problem. The pair will have to qualify on Sunday.

Johnny Herbert is another who has yet to make the field.

For the full list of speeds, click here.

For a Q&A with Junqueira, click here.