Formula Renault Eurocup leader Sacha Fenestraz (Josef Kaufmann Racing) came up big in the title chase in taking the three pole positions on offer at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. The Frenchman got the better of his closest rivals Robert Shwartzman (R-ace GP) and Gabriel Aubry (Tech 1 Racing) to become the first driver to score three poles in the same meeting. Tomorrow, he will try to become the first pole winner to win at Spa since Arthur Pic did it on May 1, 2010.
Aubry fires the first salvo
In the clear and crisp conditions, the R-ace-GP drivers came out strong before Tech 1 Racing answered back. At the mid-way point in the session, Robert Shwartzman took the advantage before Gabriel Aubry kicked off the final sprint. The Frenchman set best in 2:17.237s ahead of Yifei Ye (Josef Kaufmann Racing), Will Palmer (R-ace GP), Sacha Fenestraz and Robert Shwartzman.
Double pole for Fenestraz
The first qualifying session determined the starting grids for Saturday. Sacha Fenestraz led the way in Group A with a lap of 2:17.317s, which none of his rivals in Group B could better, with Robert Shwartzman stopping the clock in 2:17.570s.
On Saturday morning, Sacha Fenestraz will line up on pole ahead of Robert Shwartzman, Yifei Ye, Max Defourny (R-ace GP) and Renault Sport Academy member Max Fewtrell (Tech 1 Racing). Among the other title contenders, Gabriel Aubry will start sixth, Will Palmer ninth and Daniel Ticktum (Arden Motorsport) 18th.
Established according to the second best laps, the start grid for race 2 will also be led by Sacha Fenestraz. The French driver will find Gabriel Aubry by his side on row one. Yifei Ye, Robert Shwartzman, Max Fewtrell and Max Defourny complete the next two rows. Will Palmer will once again start ninth and Daniel Ticktum 18th.
The Frenchman makes it a hat trick
Sacha Fenstraz dominated once again in Q2. While Robert Shwartzman got the better of Gabriel Aubry for 0.2s, Sacha Fenestraz posted a time of 2:17.407s to take his eighth pole of the season.
On Sunday, the Frenchman will start ahead of Robert Shwarztman, Gabriel Aubry, Will Palmer and Max Defourny. Starting sixth, Max Fewtrell will be the highest placed rookie. The Briton will line up eight spots ahead of his closest adversary, Daniel Ticktum.