Sakhir (Bahrain): Tio Ellinas was in commanding form as the young Cypriot driver, who won two podium finishes in the previous races, claimed pole position for Races One and Two in the second round of the MRF Challenge at the Bahrain International Circuit here on Thursday .
Renault driver Arthur Pic managed to qualify for the second place while Rupert Svendsen-Cook will start from the third position in the race, which is held as a support event for the FIA World Endurance Championship.
“This was my time on the circuit and I feel glad that I was able to claim the pole position,“ Ellinas said. “The track was a little rough compared to the Buddh International Circuit, where we held the first leg of the championship, but I am satisfied with the result.“ In the 30-minute race, Ellinas clocked faster than Arthur Pic, setting 2:02.960 against a timing of 2:03.324 by the latter to cement his position in the front row of the starting grid. As he set the second fastest lap in the qualifying session as well, he will start Race Three from P1.
“I am happy with second place on the grid. We used a set of old tyres so could not match Tio for pole position. I am close to Tio on race pace and I think the start will be important. Whoever leads into Turn One will have the advantage for the race,“ second-placed Pic said.
Meanwhile, Indian racers had to endure a poor day in the office, as they faced several mechanical glitches. None of the Indians will be starting from the first 10 positions.
Parthiv Ghorpade is positioned in the 13th place while Vikash Anand and Raj Bharath will be starting from 18 and 19 places, respectively. Earlier, Sam Dejonghe and Arthur Pic were fastest in the first two free practice sessions.
