S'Touring qualifying: Muller steals it

Muller, recruited by the works Nordauto Alfa Romeo squad to stop Honda's Gabriele Tarquini from beating its stars Fabrizio Giovanardi and Nicola Larini, did his job to perfection. While the others squabbled over the top time, Muller kept his powder dry until his last set of tyres, lapping in 1m43.818s.

"I honestly didn't expect it," said Muller. "I wasn't too quick in the practice sessions this morning but I tried my best and got pole. I will try and stay in front of Gabriele, because I am doing the same job that James [Thompson] is doing for Honda."

Tarquini also left it until his last run to nab second on the grid, which sets up an interesting run to the first corner tomorrow.

"I hope Muller hasn't done many practice starts and stalls!" quipped the Italian. "I got traffic on my first and last sets of tyres, so maybe I could have had pole. My target is to win the race. I hope the racing will be fair, and I'll be able to look forwards rather than around or behind me. I must admit, I was far more comfortable at Jarama with James and Fabrice [Walfisch] around me."

Larini got the better of team mate Giovanardi by just 0.005s for third, while wild cards Felipe Massa (Alfa) and James Thompson (Honda) will get to fight between themselves.

Yvan Muller, Alfa Romeo 156, 1m43.818s
Gabriele Tarquini, Honda Accord, +0.089s
Nicola Larini, Alfa Romeo 156, +0.123s
Fabrizio Giovanardi, Alfa Romeo 156, +0.128s
Felipe Massa, Alfa Romeo 156, +0.450s
James Thompson, Honda Accord, +0.868s