Today’s qualifying session for round 13 of the FIA World Touring Car Championship was closely fought, by four drivers. The 2:12.266 of Gabriele Tarquini’s SEAT won pole position for today’s race.
Tarquini was pushed hard by BMW drivers Jörg Müller and Alessandro Zanardi but managed to keep his SEAT Léon in front by making the most of his Advan tyres’ ability to respond to the Automotodrom Brno’s twisting corners.
The Italian set the pole time half-way through the session and remained untouched by rivals despite BMW being favourites this weekend.
BMW Team Germany’s Jörg Müller qualified second with a 2:12.331 on his last lap, after bettering fellow BMW driver Alessandro Zanardi’s time of 2:12.353.
The German will be celebrating his birthday today and has only one wish, to convert his front row position into a win.
Gabriele Tarquini, SEAT Sport Italia:
“The tyres are very stable, which is a great thing when you consider that this is one of the most aggressive track in Europe.”
Alessandro Zanardi, BMW Team Italy-Spain:
“I believe our car works well with the Advan tyres, and we will use them to our advantage for the race tomorrow.”
Kazuyoshi Sekiguchi, Yokohama:
“To see so many drivers able to fight for pole really is a great testament to our product. Yokohama Advan’s aim is to provide teams with a tyre that performs in every circumstance and this season’s close racing has certainly showcased that.”
Both races will be shown live on Eurosport on Sunday 3rd September. Race one is scheduled for 15:00 CET and race two will begin at 16:15.
Qualifying (top 6):
1. Gabriele Tarquini SEAT Sport Italia 2:12.286
2. Jörg Müller BMW Team Germany 2:12.331
3. Alessandro Zanardi BMW Team Italy-Spain 2:12.353
4. Robert Huff Chevrolet Lacetti 2:12.433
5. Jordi Gené SEAT Sport Espana 2:12.442
6. Andy Priaulx BMW Team UK 2:12.506
