Tarquini takes World Touring Car pole in Portugal

Gabrieli Tarquini has taken Pole position in his Seat Leon for tomorrow’s WTCC round in sunny and dry conditions at Portugal’s Portimao circuit in the Algarve.

The 50 year-old took the fastest time in Free Practice One and was able to drill home his advantage over current championship leader Yvan Muller, who was quickest in free Practice Two in his Chevrolet Cruze and took second position three tenths of a second behind Tarquini.

The major protagonists all made it through to the second part of qualifying, with Norbert Michelisz (BMW 320 TC) and Rob Huff (Chevrolet Cruze) lining up on the second row followed by Tom Coronel (BMW 320 TC) and Alberto Cerqui (BMW 320 TC).

Tarquini, who became the oldest FIA World Champion ever in 2009 at the age of 47 when he won the WTCC is currently sitting in sixth position in championship, 95 points behind Muller following a torrid weekend in Marrakech where he was penalised for being underweight, subsequently scoring no points.

Tiago Monteiro (Seat Leon) qualified in eighth position behind Gabor Weber (BMW 320 TC) who currently sits in last position in the Championship having only scored three points after missing the first three rounds. Monteiro will be looking forward to a strong performance at his home circuit where he traditionally performs well.

Tom Chilton will be disappointed after his AON sponsored Ford Focus stopped on the outside of turn five and brought out the red flag in the first part of qualifying after suffering from suspension problems.

                                          2012 WTCC Portimao Qualifying