After setting best time in the collective tests, Robert Shwartzman (R-ace GP) kept his momentum going in claiming the first pole on offer at Circuit Paul Ricard. On Sunday, the Russian driver will start ahead of the leader in the general classification Sacha Fenestraz (Josef Kaufmann Racing) and Gabriel Aubry (Tech 1 Racing). Tomorrow, the Formula Renault Eurocup field will take part in the second qualifying session to determine the start grid for race one that will also take place on Saturday.

In the first group on track in Q1, Sacha Fenestraz set the time to beat in 2:05.077 ahead of Max Defourny and Will Palmer. In the second group, Robert Shwartzman went quicker with a best lap of 2:04.783, 7/10ths of a second ahead of Gabriel Aubry.

On Sunday, Robert Shwartzman will start on pole ahead of Sacha Fenestraz, Gabriel Aubry, Max Defourny and Red Bull Junior Team driver Daniel Ticktum (Arden Motorsport), who was best among the rookies in qualifying.

Tomorrow, the drivers will contest Q2 at 11:10 to determine the start grid for race one schedule for 15:00.