Qualifying: Larini leads Alfa sweep

Nicola Larini led a trio of Alfa Romeo drivers in qualifying for this weekend's ETCC race at Anderstorp in Sweden. The Italian claimed pole position by just 0.080s from championship leading team-mate Gabriele Tarquini, with Roberto Colciago completing the Italian marques domination with third

Sep 6, 2003, 5:25 PM

Jorg Muller was the fastest of the BMW's in fourth, 0.526s off pole-sitter Larini's pace. Antonio Garcia was fifth fastest in the second of the Bavarian manufacturer's machines.

Local favourite Rickard Rydell qualified sixth in his Volvo S60. The Swede was fast in both of the practice sessions, and looks more competitive around the Anderstorp track than he has for much of the season in the ETCC.

With three of the five major championship hopefuls (Larini, Tarquini and J Muller) starting in the top four, there was disappointment for Dirk Muller and Andy Priaulx, who qualified ninth and tenth respectively. With just seven points covering the five drivers, they'll need to battle their way into contention in the race.

Nicola Larini Alfa Romero 156 1m39.064s
Gabriele Tarquini Alfa Romeo 156 1m39.144s
Roberto Colciago Alfa Romero 156 1m39.515s
Jorg Muller BMW 320i 1m39.590s
Antonio Garcia BMW 320i 1m39.654s
Rickard Rydell Volvo S60 1m39.684s