Pole Position for Petrov

Vitaly Petrov

Vitaly Petrov took the pole position in Sentul this morning in the second round of the 2008 GP2 Asia Series.

The first round in Dubai had not been easy on Barwa International Campos Team Russian Vitaly Petrov who suffered from a gearbox problem in qualifying and had him start from the back of the grid. This afternoon, things will be reversed for Petrov in Race 1 as he will start from pole position. He set the fastest lap time of the day in a 1:19.337 at the beginning of the session in wet conditions, but before a red flag and a shower.

Qi-Mertus Mahara driver, the experienced Luca Filippi, will also start from the front row. He set his fastest lap time in the rain. Spaniard Adrian Valles, who had been the quickest in free practice, completes the Top 3 while ART Romain Grosjean had a more difficult qualifying session: he got off the track mid-session which led to the red flag. Despite this, he will start from the second row.

Vitaly Petrov (Barwa International Camps Team): “I’m delighted with this result. The team made a good decision regarding the set-up and the tires. The race will be very hard with the weather changing every twenty minutes or so. We may see more than one pit-stop per driver this afternoon! If it stays dry, it will be easier."

Luca Filippi (Qi-Meritus Mahara): “I’m very pleased with this result because we’re in Indonesia and I’m driving for a Malaysian team. Therefore, it was important for us to get a good result here. I was quickest in the rain. Petrov did a great lap with slick tires at the best time of the session while I was in the pit. After that, I pushed a lot. It’s a great result, but of course, I would have preferred starting from pole. Now, I have to make a good start and manage a gap with the drivers behind."

Adrian Valles (FMS International): “It could have been better. We were the quickest in the rain this morning, but the qualifying session was a bit more difficult for us. I did my best time on slick tires. We will see what will happen in the race this afternoon. Our car is quite competitive in the rain. We should have a good set-up for the race."

Sentul – Qualifying session

Marcello Puglisi (Piquet Sports) did not participate following a gearbox problem. He will take part of the race.
** Fairuz Fauzy (Super Nova Racing) and Stephen Jelley (ART Grand Prix) – five places penalty on the grid for crossing the finish line more than once after checkered flag