Formula Renault 3.5
The drivers went for it right from the green light as they came out on new tyres. Nick Yelloly (Comtec Racing) set the first target time and the hierarchy evolved rapidly as the cars shot over the start/finish line.
Arthur Pic (DAMS) was the first to break the 1m 41s barrier. Richie Stanway then took provisional pole in 1m 40.403s. At the halfway mark when all the drivers pitted to put on fresh rubber the New Zealander still topped the time sheets from Pic, Nico Müller (International Draco Racing), Walter Grubmüller ( P1 Motorsport) and Jules Bianchi (Tech 1 Racing).
The Tech 1 drivers Kevin Korjus and Bianchi fought back, but finally it was Pic who clinched pole in 1m 40.027s. He led Yelloly, Korjus, Stanway and Bianchi after a session in which 19 drivers were covered by 1 second!
During the race the drivers can use the DRS (Drag Reduction System) for 900 seconds.
Quotes
Arthur Pic: “We got through a crazy amount of work this winter. I think our team covered the most laps, so this pole is a great reward for everybody. It’s my first in Formula Renault 3.5 and the first for my team. I started from pole in Formula Renault 2.0 two years ago so I know what to do at the green light.”
Nick Yelloly: “I wasn’t all that happy with my first run. We made a few changes and the car was perfect. We were never among the front-runners in the collective tests but we knew that we had the speed. Now, let’s see what happens in the race.”
Kevin Korjus: “I haven’t had such a good qualification for a long time. Arthur’s just that little bit in front in terms of sheer performance; that’ll even out during the race. Yesterday, we were completely off the pace, but Tech 1 Racing found the solution and we’re back at the front this morning. I have to do my best to win today, it’s important for the team.”
Official Renault Sport Press Release.