Sainz achieves maiden GP3 pole in Spa-Francorchamps

Carlos Sainz

There was a massive smile on the face of Spaniard Carlos Sainz who delivered in qualifying today with his debut pole in the Series. MW Arden teammate Daniil Kvyat will start alongside him on the front row with ART Grand Prix’s Jack Harvey on the second row in third. Kvyat and Harvey lapped identical times but the Russian driver will start second after setting his time earlier.

The 30 minute qualifying session commenced in overcast conditions with track temperatures of 20 degrees. The 27 drivers made their way onto the 7.004km circuit ready for battle, eager to pocket four points for the coveted pole position.

Koiranen GP’s Kevin Korjus was first to dip into the 2m05’s with his fresh set of tires until Harvey shot to the top of the standings by a mere 0.014s. At the midway point of the session, the drivers returned to the pitlane for new Pirelli rubber and it was the ART Grand Prix duo of Conor Daly and Facu Regalia who headed the timings.

Korjus reclaimed his place back at the top of the timesheets until Kvyat recorded a flier, the first time in the 2m04’s to take provisional pole by fourth tenths. However, Sainz was busy lighting up the timing screen in purple, fastest in sector two and three and claimed pole position by over half a second with three minutes remaining.

Daly rose to P2 until Kvyat demoted the American to make it an MW Arden one-two in qualifying. At the checkered flag Harvey grabbed P3 ahead of Daly, Series leader Tio Ellinas (Marussia Manor Racing), Alex Fontana (Jenzer Motorsport), Nick Yelloly (Carlin), Korjus, Regalia and Trident’s David Fumanelli.

Rain is forecast for Race 1 later today which starts at 17.20 local time, it promises to be a memorable encounter on this legendary circuit in the Ardennes as the fight for the GP3 crown continues!

Qualifying Results