First pole of the year for Antonelli

Niccolo Antonelli claimed his first pole position of the year after a well judged final lap saw him outpace Danny Kent by two thousandths of a second. The Italian, fresh from having his future confirmed with Ongetta, availed of a tow at the end of the session to set his fast time but it leaves him well placed for a strong result tomorrow.

Kent narrowly missed out after spending the final minutes of qualifying searching for a clear track. However with championship rival Enea Bastianini 15th it was a solid day for Kent as he looks to bounce back from his first non-score of the year last time out in Indianapolis.

John McPhee jumped to tenth fastest on his final lap for his best qualifying performance since the season opener in Qatar.