Karun Chandhok provided Team E-Racing a stunning start by clinching the first pole of the inaugural Formula Asia Renault V6 series at the Sepang F1 circuit in Sepang on Saturday.
Having set a scorching pace in the Friday practice sessions, the 22-year old made use of the cloudy and dry conditions to take the front position on the grid with the best timing of 1 minute and 58.234 seconds.
"I was sure that I would be among the top three but did not expect to be in the pole. So I am all the more happy," Chandhok, backed by JK Tyres, Amaron and Scottish-New Castle, said after the qualifying.
The relatively cool conditions, due to overnight rains, was slowly giving way to humid and hot conditions when Chandhok set out of the garage for his second qualifying session.
The Chennai boy was familiar with the circuit and it showed in his pushing the 3500cc Renault engine to the maximum at every straight and bend of the Sepang circuit.
The sun had begun to blaze by the time the cars returned to the paddock, indicating a tough day's work ahead for the drivers.
"My fitness is good. I have prepared well for the series and I am happy with the way I managed myself today."
Independent driver Daisuke Ikeda, 24, took the second position, more than six-tenth of a second behind Chandhok.
The Renault V6 series is the highlight race of the Asian Festival of Speed which also comprises Porsche Carrera Cup Asia series, Formula BMW Asia series and the Asian Touring car championships.
The Renault V6 series will also witness races in Zhuhai (China), Sentul (Indonesia) and Taichung (Taiwan).
For Chandhok, who suffered setbacks with both the Renault World Series and the A1 Grand Prix last year for various reasons, the drive should keep him in news.
Qualifying timings:
1. Karun Chandhok, IND, Team E-Racing, 1:58.324s
2. Daisuke Ikeda, JPN, Privateer, 1:58.990
3. Hamad Al Fardan, BRN, Team Mertus 1:58.393.
