Photo: TC2000

Rossi sets pole at Termas de Río Hondo

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Renault’s Matías Rossi has claimed pole position for the extended distance TC2000 race at Autodromo Termas de Río Hondo.

The Renault driver set a best time of 1:34.098 to claim pole position ahead of the Ford-YPF Focus of Gabriel Ponce De León, with third going to Scuderia Fiat’s Emanuel Moriatis.

Rossi has had pace through practice – finishing second fastest (to Ponce De León) in the first practice session, and fastest overall in the second session. The 26-year old two-time TC2000 champion then grabbed pole comfortably for Sunday’s race, over half a second quicker than the second placed Ponce De León.

Team mate Juan Manuel Silva also put in a strong performance and qualified fourth in his Renault Mégane.

Championship leader Norberto Fontana qualified ninth, whilst the top Honda Civic was Leonel Pernía who qualified sixth, currently second in the championship just three points behind Fontana.

The race varies from the usual format, and will be 70 laps or two hours – whichever comes first.