Kevin Magnussen will start on pole position for Rounds 16 and 18 at Paul Ricard this weekend. Setting both the fastest and 2nd fastest time in Saturday morning qualifying earns the Dane his 2nd consecutive double-pole, once again ahead of team-mate and main rival, Felipe Nasr.
After just breaking the 2:00s barrier in practice, Magnussen thrashed his Friday time by over half a second, with his fastest time 2 tenths ahead of Nasr. His 2nd quickest time (which earns him the Round 16 pole), was also too much for Nasr’s quickest time.
But despite his dominant performance, Magnussen was cautious about the upcoming races and again harked back to Germany, where mechanical gremlins dashed his hopes of taking his second win of the weekend. “I have been in this situation before; two poles is great but I still have to win the races. There were no problems for me today and I am trying not to think about it, and to concentrate on my driving.”
Carlin team-mate Felipe Nasr appeared much more reserved after the session, and ominously for his rivals, claimed he favoured his race strategy over his overall pace. “I stopped before the end of the session to save my tyres,” said the Brazilian, “and I am happy with my position on the grid.”
HiTech’s new signing, Antonio Felix Da Costa had been regular fixture in the top 3 all weekend, and didn’t disappoint with a strong qualifying to claim 3rd on the grid for Round 18. A trio of Carlin drivers will line up behind him in the form of Carlos Huertas, Jack Harvey and Rupert Svendsen-Cook respectively. Pietro Fantin set the 7th fastest time, ahead of William Buller who was the fastest of the Mercedes-powered teams. Jazeman Jaafar and Lucas Foresti completed the Top 10.
Cooper Tires British Formula 3 International Series
Provisional qualifying times, Paul Ricard / 16/7/2011
Championship class
1 Kevin MAGNUSSEN / DEN, Carlin Dallara-Volkswagen 2m 00.426s
2 Felipe NASR / BRA, Carlin Dallara-Volkswagen 2m 00.661s
3 Antonio Felix da COSTA / POR, Hitech Dallara-Volkswagen 2m 00.713s
4 Carlos HUERTAS / COL, Carlin Dallara-Volkswagen 2m 00.937s
5 Jack HARVEY / GBR, Carlin Dallara-Volkswagen 2m 00.993s
6 Rupert SVENDSEN-COOK / GBR, Carlin Dallara-Volkswagen 2m 01.003s
7 Pietro FANTIN / BRA, Hitech Dallara-Volkswagen 2m 01.317s
8 William BULLER /GBR, Fortec Dallara-Mercedes 2m 01.400s
9 Jazeman JAAFAR / MAS, Carlin Dallara-Volkswagen 2m 01.610s
10 Lucas FORESTI / BRA, Fortec Dallara-Mercedes 2m 01.844s etc
Rookie class
1 Kotaro SAKURAI / JPN, Hitech Dallara-Mugen Honda 2m 04.885s
Full timesheets
Race 1 – Round 16 Begins at 2pm Local Time (BST +1)
