Menu and Chevrolet lead the way

Alain Menu claimed a great pole position for the first WTCC race at Brands Hatch. Augusto Farfus had dominated all sessions, but failed to claim top spot after the shootout. He had to settle for fourth on the grid after British pair Rob Huff and Andy Priaulx qualified second and third on the grid.

The first qualifying session saw Farfus again set the fastest time, following on from his pace in the two practice sessions.

The top ten were split by less than half a second, and the first big name to miss out was 2008 Champion Yvan Muller, who could only manage 11th.

Alain Menu claimed second fastest in the session from Rickard Rydell, by some three thousandths of a second. Rob Huff and Andy Priaulx made it through to the shootout, along with SUNRED driver Norbert Michelisz, who again showed his immense talent.

The shootout was a shock for Farfus, who had been dominating proceedings at the Kent circuit. The partisan British fans had something to cheer as both Huff and Priaulx found themselves right at the front. Norbert Michelisz couldn’t match the pace of the WTCC regulars, and had to settle for 8th on the grid.

Yvan Muller will be seeking to try and collect as many points as he can from 11th, knowing full well both Gabriele Tarquini and Augusto Farfus are placed to score heavily this weekend.

The weather forecasts for tomorrow predict rain throughout. Nevertheless, all fingers will be crossed for it being dry for the two races.