Bortolotti secures first F2 pole of 2011

Date published : 16 Apr 2011 - 11:30:00

GPUpdateBortolotti secures first F2 pole of 201116 April 2011 Mirko Bortolotti stormed to pole position during the first qualifying session of the 2011 Formula 2 campaign, with the Italian driver posting a personal best effort of 1:50.834 to edge out Spain's Miki Monrás. Will Bratt claimed third ahead of compatriot Alex Brundle, creating an all-British second row. Conditions remained pleasant as the qualifying hour got underway at the home Formula 1's British Grand Prix. Despite an early seat belt issue, Bortolotti proved too difficult to beat after setting his fastest time. Behind Monrás, Bratt and Brundle, Friday afternoon pace setter Mihai Marinescu claimed fifth place on the grid. Tobias Hegewald and Ramón Piñeiro were the last men to stay within touching distance of pole, ending the session just under half a second behind Bortolotti. Eighth place was occupied by Britain's Jack Clarke who was over nine tenths adrift, while Johannes Theobald and Christopher Zanella completed the top ten. Saturday's Race 1 begins at 2pm local time (BST)