Nicola Larini takes first pole for Chevrolet

It was all front wheel driven cars in the front row of the qualifying session at Estoril today. Nicola Larini took his first pole since 2003 with his Chevrolet Lacetti.
“It is unbelievable that my last pole was here. I hope that we will do well in the race tomorrow, but I don’t want to say anymore. I brought my baby here for his first race this weekend and he brought me luck,” said Larini.

Rickard Rydell took second spot on the grid in his diesel powered SEAT Léon, 0.150 seconds slower than Larini.
“This is my best qualifying session of the season. In 2006 I had the most consistent record of good qualifying of the whole field, but have not managed it this year,” said Rydell.

Third on the grid went to Larini’s team mate Alain Menu who was 0.281 seconds behind.
“I was beaten by my team mate but I’m happy with third position. Having him in front of me for a rolling start would only be a problem if he brakes too early into the first corner. It might be interesting because both men ahead of me want to win and maybe I will pick up the pieces… that’s a joke!” said Menu.

Jordi Gené and Robert Huff made it all SEAT’s and Chevrolet’s in the first five places on the grid. Best BMW-man was as usual Andy Priaulx ahead of team mate Augusto Farfus.

Gabriele Tarquini headed four SEAT’s with Yvan Muller, Tiago Monteiro and Tom Coronel behind him. Best privateer was Sergio Hernandez in 14th position.