Formula Renault 3.5
A double poleman here last year, Kevin Magnussen (DAMS) repeated the trick in Saturday morning’s qualifying at Spa-Francorchamps, the Dane leading the way from Antonio Felix da Costa (Arden Caterham) and Jazeman Jaafar (Carlin).
Kevin Magnussen showed his pace straightaway on a dry track and was the first man to dip under the two-minute mark, despite the best efforts of Stoffel Vandoorne (Fortec Motorsports).
After switching to new tyres Arthur Pic went fastest with six minutes remaining, only for Kevin Magnussen to reply with a lap of 1:58.868. Though all the drivers improved their times in their final outing, no one could dislodge the championship leader.
Joining the Dane on the front row will be Antonio Felix da Costa, followed by Jazeman Jaafar (Carlin), Arthur Pic (AV Formula) and Marco Sorensen (Lotus). In a session that saw Nico Müller (International Draco Racing) and Will Stevens (P1 by Strakka Racing) come together and Pietro Fantin (Arden Caterham) go off, home driver Stoffel Vandoorne could do no better than 13th.
“The car was fantastic,” commented Kevin Magnussen. “The team did a fantastic job on the set-up and on sending me out at the right times. I hope to convert this pole into maximum points in the race, but that won’t be easy on what’s a difficult track.”
Saturday’s Formula Renault 3.5 Series race will begin at 14:50.
Official Renault Sport Press Release.