Damp and misty conditions provided the backdrop for this morning’s International Formula Master (IFM) qualifying session as the drivers fought for round seven’s pole position.
Alan Racing’s Pablo Sanchez Lopez eventually claimed the top spot with a fastest time of 1:54.652, the only driver to go below the 1 minute 55 seconds, followed by Promotorsport’s Marcello Puglisi and Cram Competition’s Jerome D’Ambrosio.
Newcomers Norbert Sielder and Erik Janis continued to show great form, qualifying seventh and eighth respectively.
Pablo Sanchez Lopez, Alan Racing
"I got pole! I had a great lap; there was a lot of traffic so I’m very happy to have this. I didn’t think we would get pole even though we have a fast car. It’s very difficult to get a clear track here so this is great."
Marcello Puglisi, Promotorsport
"We improved a lot from the last time and I like the track so this is brilliant! Fingers crossed for the race."
Jerome D’Ambrosio, Cram Competition
"We had a slight communication problem over the radio which meant that I came in early when I could have set another lap. I know we’re at least a second faster than this so it’s a bit disappointing to be third because we should have been on pole."
International Formula Master
Porto Provisional Qualifying (Round seven)
1. Pablo Sanchez Lopez (MEX), Alan Racing, 1:54.652
2. Marcello Puglisi (ITA), Promotorsport, 1:55.124
3. Jerome D'Ambrosio (BEL), Cram Competition, 1:55.228
4. Johnny Cecotto Jr (VEN) Ombra Racing, 1:55.371
5. Salvatore Gatto (ITA), Alan Racing, 1:55.805
6. Ignazio Belluardo (ITA), Promotorsport, 1:55.845
7. Norbert Siedler (AUT), ADM Motorsport, 1:56.225
8. Erik Janis (CZE), ISR, 1:56.369
Live coverage of IFM’s fourth round will begin on Eurosport today, Saturday 7 July from 13.15 (CET) onwards followed by Sunday’s coverage on Eurosport 2 starting at 14.30 (CET).
Live streaming will be available on www.eurosport.com
and www.formulamaster.net.
As an exciting new single-seater series, IFM offers young, aspiring drivers the chance to prove themselves on an international stage (as it is part of the FIA World Touring Car Championship race weekend package), training and preparing them for the highest echelons of single-seater racing in front of a global TV audience provided by Eurosport.
Featuring N.Technology’s Formula S2000 race car with electric gearshift and clutch paddles and advanced aerodynamics, the car weighs just 550kg including the driver and runs on control tyres by Yokohama. It has already secured 2008 FIA homologation approval – a world first – and has generated excitement from all sectors thanks to its dynamic styling, light-weight body and powerful engine.
- RSM · -
