But Costa wasn’t having any and with a lap in 1m 41.765s he got back on top and became the first driver to break the 1m 42s barrier. It was his fourth pole of the season and behind him came Gilardoni and Stefano Comini who was on the pace immediately on his return to the Eurocup Mégane Trophy.

Comini and Costa battled for pole in the second session. The winner of the Eurocup Mégane Trophy took provisional pole and then Italian Gilardoni stepped up the pace beating both Comini and Costa at the halfway mark.

But Costa and the Moscow raceway seem made for each other and he racked up his fourth pole on the trot from Gilardoni and Comini.

Albert Costa: “I said the pole would be in the 1m 41s and that’s what I did in the first session. Honestly my car wasn’t perfect.  There are a few things to change for the race. Two poles, Bas Schothorst a bit further back, so there are some good opportunities this weekend.”

Kevin Gilardoni: “I’m continuing my apprenticeship. It’s my first season in saloons and today is my best two qualifying performances of the year. It’s everybody’s first time out on this circuit so it’s an advantage as it’s a level playing field for us all.”

Stefano Comini: “Two third places aren’t too bad but I’m a bit disappointed as I could have done better. Each time I’m in a racing car I’m here to win. The start has never been my strong point with this car so we’ll see if I’ve improved or not!”   

(http://www.worldseriesbyrenault.fr/en/tv_news/news/Pages/AlbertCostaracksuppolepositions.aspx)