Michelin admits pole tyre is very soft

Hayden was lapping consistently in the 1:38s before finding 1.9 seconds when he switched to qualifiers.

Weber was delighted with the result, but admitted Michelin had doubts about the tyre.

"The softer one is better, it's one we don't use very often. We didn't know if we would go with that as this track is quite demanding, so of course it can last one lap... or less than one lap," he said.

"Also, yesterday we had some problems maybe with the (Hayden) bike but they did an awesome job with the bike today, so it's good to see we are all working in the same direction together."

Michelin has now taken eight pole positions to Bridgestone's six this season, although the Japanese tyre company has taken victory in nine of the 13 races.

Asked about conditions for the 28 lap race tomorrow, Weber said he was confident that the long range forecast's prediction of dry weather was correct.

"I think it will be similar - because although it feels warmer today the track temperature is actually nearly the same as it was yesterday," he said.

"It was 39 degrees yesterday, today it was 42-43 with maybe 45 tomorrow afternoon, but it will be a long race because it's quite demanding on the right side of the tyre."

The current forecast suggests it will be wet at Estoril at the start of the week, although there have been suggestions that the rain might arrive earlier than expected and shake up the race.