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Jérôme D’Ambrosio claimed his first Formula Master (FM) pole position of the season in today’s qualifying session for round 13 at Brands Hatch, UK, with the fastest time of 1:18.659.

Although the Belgian is leading the driver classification and has three wins to date, a pole position had been missing. With his lap times unchallenged for most of the session, D’Ambrosio showed his previous lack of qualifying luck didn’t apply on this important weekend.

The 21-year-old Cram Competition racer could clinch the driver’s title this weekend, providing he increases his gap to 31 points in tomorrow’s race, or 21 points on Sunday, over current runner-up Chris van der Drift who starts tomorrow’s race in 13th position.

Although D’Ambrosio dominated the session, a fierce battle took place for the remainder of the grid with ADM Motorsport’s Norbert Siedler eventually claiming second place with a time of 1:19.000, closely followed by Salvatore Gatto (Promotorsport) in third position with a fastest lap of 1:19.248.

British driver Michael Meadows put in a superb performance throughout the day, posting the third fastest time in this morning’s free practice followed by a measured ninth in free practice two. This afternoon saw the Euronova Racing 20-year-old claim fourth fastest, in only his second day at the wheel of the Formula S2000. The

Euronova Racing guest driver tested the single-seater last month in Lausitzring during a Formula Master official test day.

Jérôme D’Ambrosio, Cram Competition

“I don’t know what to say expect that this is brilliant! The team are great, they did a perfect job on the car today and although it’s the race results that matter, a pole position is great to have. We have to focus on tomorrow’s race from now on and at least we start from the front which definitely helps.”

Norbert Siedler, ADM Motorsport

“I’m second? Great! I had some issues with tyres earlier on in the session and even went off-track briefly at turn one but thankfully we had time to sort things out and posted a good time.”

Salvatore Gatto, Promotorsport

“Third place is good, and gives us a good chance in the race for tomorrow. We had some problems in the session but things are ok now.”

Michael Meadows, Euronova Racing

“I’m surprised at how easy the car is to drive. I’ve really adapted quickly which is great for when you come in to a Series on a one-off like this. I was third in free practice 1 this morning so I know there’s good pace in the car, we’ll have to see how tomorrow goes!”

International Formula Master – Brands Hatch

Qualifying provisional results

1. Jérôme D'Ambrosio (BEL), Cram Competition (#25), 1:18.659

2. Norbert Siedler (AUT), ADM Motorsport (#41), 1:19.000

3. Salvatore Gatto (ITA), Promotorsport (#15), 1:19.248

4. Michael Meadows (GBR), Euronova Racing (#45), 1:19.296

5. Frankie Provenzano (ITA), ADM Motorsport (#21), 1:19.341

6. Arturo Llobell (ESP), Cram Competition (#24), 1:19.464

7. Pablo Sanchez Lopez (MEX), Alan Racing (#12), 1:19.561

8. Kasper Andersen (DEN), J.D. Motorsport (#8), 1:19.590

9. Rodolfo Avila (MAC), Cram Competition (#26), 1:19.602

10. Luca Persiani (ITA), Scuderia Fama (#31), 1:19.604

11. Pierre Ragues (FRA), Euronova Racing (#19), 1:19.622

12. Johnny Cecotto Jr (VEN) Ombra Racing (#29), 1:19.734

13. Chris van der Drift (NED), J.D. Motorsport (#7), 1:19.756

14. Juho Annala (FIN), Jenzer Motorosport (#3), 1:19.820

15. Nick De Bruijn (NED), ISR (#33), 1:19.881

16. Sami Isohella, (FIN), Team Soderman (#23), 1:20.378

17. Marcello Puglisi (ITA), Promotorsport (#9), 1:20.404

18. Rahel Frey (SUI), Jenzer Motorsport (#2), 1:20.482

19. Giuseppe Terranova (ITA), Alan Racing (#14), 1:20.502

20. Michele Caliendo (ITA), ADM Motorsport, (#22), 1:20.598

21. Oliver Campos Hull (ESP), Iris Project (#4), 1:20.949

22. Massimo Torre (ITA), Suderia Fama (#32), 1:21.012

23. Nicolas Maulini, (SUI), Iris Project (#5), 1:21.289

24. Alberto Costa (ITA), Euronova Racing (#18), 1:21.789

25. Dominick Muermans (NED), Ombra Racing (#30), 1:21.793

26. Claudio Cantelli Jr (BRA), J.D. Motorsport (#6), 1:22.612

Eurosport’s coverage of IFM’s seventh race weekend will begin Saturday 22 September with race one shown live at 12.00 (CET) on Eurosport. Race two on Sunday will be broadcasted live from 14.00 (CET) on Eurosport 2 and Eurosport Asia-Pacific.