Nykjær claims Salzburgring pole

Reigning champion Michel Nykjær took pole position for the 2008 FIA European Touring Car Cup. The Dane lapped the track in 1:27.892, a time that was 0.283 seconds faster than Richard Göransson.
“I am very happy and the car was working really well! This is my first time ever in the Chevrolet Lacetti and it could not have started better,” said Nykjær.

Second placed Göransson, who was fastest in three of the four practice sessions, was still happy with his grid position.
“I am happy with second as it gives the inside line for the first corner. I had a lot of traffic and was only able to set my best time on the last lap on the last set of tyres. But I am optimistic for the race tomorrow,” said Göransson.

Third fastest was touring car legend Franz Engstler. The German’s best time was 0.463 seconds behind Nykjær.
“I am happy with the session, but I had a lot of traffic on my laps, just as Göransson said. But I am looking forward to the race tomorrow and we have some settings to fine tune,” said Engstler.

Fourth fastest was Swedish Honda-man Tomas Engström in the black, red and white Honda Accord.
“We have a good car and it works really well in the first sector. But we have some problems in the second sector with the rear end getting loose. The setup for the race is good and I am confident,” said Engström.

Fifth fastest was the Dane Kristian Poulsen ahead of manufacturer colleauge and BMW-driver Jan Nilsson.

Oscar Nogués had a bad day but still took seventh position on the grid. The SEAT-man only completed four laps before he went off the track and in to the barriers in the last corner. His SEAT was towed back in to the pits and the Spaniard was unable to take part in the session after the incident.

Cesar Campanico claimed eigth ahead of Jens Reno Möller and Mikko Eskelinen, completing top ten.