Marina Bay, 22 September

Under the Marina Bay floodlights, Marc Gene took pole position for the fifth round of the Asia Pacific series of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli, which for the first time ever is running as a support event to the Formula 1 World Championship. The Spaniard was at the wheel of a 458 Challenge car, decorated with a special livery to celebrate the 500 Grands Prix partnership between Shell and Ferrari. Entered as a guest of honour, Marc took pole with a lap in 2.24.811, beating the Thai driver, Pasin Lathouras (2.26.381) and Singapore’s Ringo Chong (2.26.465.) Qualifying went off without a hitch, unlike yesterday, when a violent storm hit the track causing the only free practice session for the 29 cars in the one-make series to be cancelled. Tomorrow sees the race take place at 15h00, with separate classifications, just as in the European series, for the main category the Trofeo Pirelli and the one for gentleman drivers, the Coppa Shell.