Brundle clinches pole in Magny-Cours

Alex Brundle

Alex Brundle secured pole for round three of the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship today (Saturday) during a thrilling qualifying session in Magny-Cours.

The 20-year-old posted a best time of 1:30.754s on the damp but drying 4.411km French circuit to claim a front-row start for today's race. The day's earlier shower had left the former Formula One circuit slippery but with no further rain during the 30-minute session, drivers were able to post quicker and quicker lap times with the Brit just sneaking in his best lap before the checkered flag went out.

The session started with times nearly half a minute off the pace but as the track dried with every lap the times tumbled. A brief red flag interruption to clear debris from the track gave everyone a chance to take a breather, as the action was non-stop from the moment the green flag came out.

Swiss racer Christopher Zanella secured P2 to line-up alongside Brundle on the front row. He was on the pace for much of the session, as was Friday pacesetter Miki Monras, who lines up third. He will be joined by compatriot Ramon Pineiro on row two, the young Spanish driver fast when it counted.

Silverstone winner Mirko Bortolotti will start race one from fifth on the grid, on the third row with Tobias Hegewald and both drivers were in the fight for pole.

A trio of Britons line up next, with Jack Clarke, Will Bratt and an improved James Cole seventh, eighth and ninth respectively. Romanian Mihai Marinescu took the final top ten place and with the clouds remaining, the opening race promises to be just as exciting.

Round three of the FIA Formula Two Championship will take place today at 2pm (local time) with full coverage on the F2 website.

Results Top-10

1. Alex Brundle, 1:30.754s
2. Christopher Zanella, +0.128s
3. Miki Monras, +0.183s
4. Ramon Pineiro, +0.362s
5. Mirko Bortolotti, +0.437s
6. Tobias Hegewald, +0.454s
7. Jack Clarke, +0.537s
8. Will Bratt, +0.635s
9. James Cole, +0.827s
10. Mahai Marinescu, +0.872s