Engelhart was the fastest man in a Porsche around Barcelona...just - Photo Credit: Porsche AG
Christian Engelhart came out on top in a closely fought Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup qualifying session at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya, edging out Kuba Giermaziak for top spot by just three thousandths of a second.
Konrad Motorsport driver Engelhart will be chasing his second victory in the championship, his first having come at Istanbul a little over a year ago.
“I'm really happy – especially considering the problem I had with my brakes during free practice,” said the 25-year-old German. “But the boys put in overtime and it paid off.
“I had an excellent lap today. I was aware that in Barcelona normally nothing more is possible afterwards. Still, I was feeling pretty nervous in the pits waiting for the session to finish. Now I'm looking forward to the race.”
Verva Racing Team pilot Giermaziak was pleased with a front row grid slot despite only just missing out on pole.
“The first grid row is just what I wanted,” said the Polish ace. “I missed out on pole because of a couple of tiny mistakes, but still I'm satisfied.
“The race will show who's the best. Most of the drivers are very familiar with Barcelona and are therefore fast here. So that makes it all the more important to take up the race from the first row.”
Another Pole came close to pole position, with Giermaziak's compatriot Robert Lukas taking third on the grid for Forch Racing.
“We're of course very pleased,” said Lukas. “One tenth shy of the fastest, although my first sector wasn't that great – we can live with this. Now I'm hoping that we are all in a position to turn this good qualifying result into a good race result.”
Britain's Sean Edwards was fourth fastest in his Konrad-fettled machine, as he chases a repeat of his Barcelona victory from 2011. Double champion Rene Rast was fifth for Lechner Racing, albeit less than two tenths off pole.
Supercup rookie Nicki Thiim will start sixth for Hermes Attempto Racing, ahead of teammate Kevin Estre, while points leader Norbert Siedler of Veltins Lechner Racing could only manage eighth. His teammate Michael Ammermuller was ninth, ahead of Giermaziak's 18-year-old teammate Patryk Szczerbinski.
