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Quotes from Qualifying

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Andy Priaulx took pole position with only one minute left of the session. Yvan Müller held pole position before that in his first WTCC race for SEAT after completing only one lap. Augusto Farfus took third place making it three different makes in top three.

Andy Priaulx, pole position

“I’m delighted to get pole, for the team and BMW who have come up with a great package. We have a new car and from its very first laps it felt good. However, it is the beginning of the year and I don’t want to get too excited because the season doesn’t finish until November. We have to keep developing the car because if you stand still in motorsport you move backwards at 100 mph.

I have to admit I was concerned I wouldn’t make it to qualifying due to the fire caused by a short circuit during the second practice. However it was confined to a small area and my team replaced the parts. There are some extremely strong drivers out there and I have too much respect for my opposition to expect anything more that to do the best job I can.”

Yvan Müller, 2nd fastest

“Am I disappointed to have lost pole position? Yes and no. Yes because I only managed to complete one lap. I had to come to the pits with a problem and it was impossible to fix by the end of the session. No because I didn’t expect such a good position here.

Monza is not the best track for the SEAT cars with its long straight but I have to thank James Thompson for his tow because it helped greatly. On the test days I was three of four seconds slower but at that stage it was a brand new car. The target for tomorrow is to do the best job I can, we will see what the results are.”

Augusto Farfus, 3rd fastest

“We came from the old car and have improved a lot for the start of the season and here we are. This is proven by my position on the grid. The car feels good, it is a pretty good track for the car and I will fight for the podium and win tomorrow.

I think it’s going to be a tough season but we have a good package and a good team, we can do it. I know it was close between me and Yvan and who knows what will happen for tomorrow. I think it is great for the championship that there is a BMW, a SEAT and an Alfa at the front of the grid, I hope the fans enjoy it.”