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N.Technology Alfa Romeo denied pole at 11th hour |
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Saturday, 22 September 2007 |
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today’s
FIA World
Touring Car Championship time sheets were dominated by N.Technology
Alfa Romeo’s James Thompson right up until the last minute of this
afternoon’s qualifying.
In
a maddening turn of
events, Thompson missed out on pole by just 0.014s to Chevrolet’s Alain
Menu after his final run was interrupted by yellow flags. He will
start alongside the Swiss driver in tomorrow’s first race, ahead of all
his main title challengers including every BMW and SEAT
driver.
Despite
that, the Harrogate
racer could not hide his disappointment at not securing the top spot
for the home crowds after recording the fastest time in every Free
Practice
earlier in the day.
Team-mate Olivier Tielemans
was only 1.293s behind Thompson but the exceptionally tight competition within WTCC means he will start from 21st on the
grid.
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Thompson giving his reaction after qualifying
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James Thompson, Car Number 15
“After
this morning our expectations were a little bit higher
and I thought I had a bit in reserve should we require it towards the
end of the session. It was just unfortunate that we got a yellow flag
on my
final run.
“At
the end of the day, we’re here with a heavy car
and we’re very, very competitive. I’m in a good position but it’s
frustrating because you want to be on pole position on your
home circuit and you definitely don’t want to be on the outside of the
track for the start at Brands Hatch. It’s a straight drag race
into the first corner and there’s the gravel trap and everyone runs
wide. You’re better to be first or third.”
Olivier Tielemans, Car Number 16
“It’s a very tricky circuit and I’ve never
driven the Grand Prix version. Despite that you can imagine that I’m not happy with my position. I should be nearer the front.”
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