Formula Renault 3.5
The first qualifying session for the Formula Renault 3.5 Series got off to a flying start as almost all the drivers came out on new tyres. Robin Frijns was the first to set a target time in 1m 42.039 from Nico Müller and Jules Bianchi.
Frijns and Bianchi then swapped pole on several occasions and the winner of the 2011 Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup got the upper hand with a time of 1m 41.346s before pitting to bolt on his second set of tyres. All his rivals followed suite, and at the halfway mark he led the pack from Bianchi, Müller, Antonio Felix da Costa and Marco Sorensen.
Sam Bird was the first to improve in the second part of the session getting up to third. Once again Frijns and Bianchi moved the goalposts. The Frenchman knocked the Dutchman off pole but Frijns hit back and retook first place while Kevin Magnussen dislodged Bird from third.
Binchi banged in a perfect lap to set his first pole position in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series. The third Sahara Force India driver and member of the Ferrari Drivers’ Academy beat Frijns, Arthur Pic, Müller and Walter Grubmüller.
Jules Bianchi: “I drove a good lap. On my first flyer I felt there was more to come and after that I put in a perfect lap. I haven’t done that for a long time. I’d like to thank the whole team that has done a great job and this pole is their reward. Now, I’ll just have to do as well in the race.”
Robin Frijns: “The first part of the session was good. I was able to take advantage of a clear track to dial in quick laps. But I ran into traffic with my second set of tyres. I’m on the front row and that’s crucial!”
Official Renault Sport Press Release.