Enge upbeat after pole

The former Grand Prix driver recovered from a heavy crash in the first segment of the four-hour qualifying session to set a best lap of 3m49.438s, eclipsing Corvette driver Oliver Gavin's pole mark with just ten minutes remaining.

The splitter, steering and right-rear suspension of his Ferrari 550 Maranello were heavily damaged, while a substantial amount of bodywork was replaced. Despite only releasing the car for its first installation lap with under 20 minutes remaining, Enge was able to set the time after switching to a fresh set of Michelin qualifying rubber.

"This is the first part of the weekend, and I hope we can repeat what we did last year and finish on the top step of the podium," said Enge, who claimed GTS victory and pole position last year. "Now we must think of the race."

"It was an everything lap. I shunted the car quite badly and the team repaired it in two hours' time," said Enge. "They made it so good I could put it on pole!"

Prodrive's sister car, qualified by Rickard Rydell, will start fourth for tomorrow's (Sunday) race, and will share the car with Darren Turner and former World Rally Champion Colin McRae.

"I could have done a low 51 and split the Corvettes, but we had a few problems with the gearshift, and it was also in my mind not to have two cars in the wall! I'm particularly happy with the race setup."