The Spaniard finally eked out a small advantage and set his first pole in the Mégane Trophy in 2m 01.068s. The top 5 was completed by debutants Kelvin Snoeks (TDS Racing) and Kevin Gilardoni (Oregon Team).

The second qualifying session was almost a carbon copy of the first. Nalio and Schothorst swapped places at the front of the field, while Costa waited for a few minutes before joining in the fun. He took provisional pole but Schothorst got the better of his Spanish rival with a lap in 2m 01.689s. It was the Dutchman’s third pole and he was followed by Costa, Nalio, Snoeks and Gilardoni.

Quotes

Albert Costa: “I’m pleased to start the season with pole but I still don’t know a lot about this car. I’ve never started a race in a saloon and that’s my first challenge. I have to look after the tyres over the whole race and that’s where I’m a bit weak at the moment. I have to stay humble because I’ve got a lot to learn.”  

Bas Schothorst: “My traffic management was much better in the second session and although I don’t know why, I found that the car was much better. Maybe it’s because the temperature rose more quickly. Albert’s on the pace and in the race I’ll have to watch out for Niccolo Nalio.” 

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