Josh Files claims dominant pole position in Abu Dhabi

Reigning TCR Germany champion Josh Files dominated the TCR Middle East qualifying session in Abu Dhabi that featured only seven cars on track.

The Brit claimed pole by close to 1.8 seconds over Alfa Romeo driver Davit Kajaia. Young Italian driver Giacomo Altoe impressed on debut by claiming third position on the grid in the Top Run Motorsport prepared Subaru, half a second behind Kajaia.

Luca Engstler, who won the opening round in Dubai, was fourth fastest for Team Engstler, nearly three seconds from the pole position time.

Mohamed Al Owais claimed fifth position for Lap57 Motorsports behind the wheel of a Honda Civic, with championship leader Brandon Gdovic and Stefan Goede claiming the two last positions on the grid in positions six and seven.

The first race of the weekend is scheduled at 17:05 local time.