The reigning World Touring Car champion will begin the new season from pole position. Andy Priaulx, with a lap of 2:00.254 secured prime position on the grid with just two minutes left on the clock.

Alongside him on the front row will be Yvan Muller for SEAT Sport who had posted a time 0.106 seconds slower off the pace in the early stages of the session.

The third best time of 2:00.561 was set by Augusto Farfus in his N.technology Alfa Romeo 156 with just 19 thousandths of a second denying him a spot alongside Priaulx on the front row.

Alessandro Zanardi emerged as the fastest of the Italian drivers, setting the 5th fastest lap in 2:00.751.



The best result from the Chevrolet men was 16th position set by Robert Huff. Nicola Larini will line up in 17th while Alain Menu achieved the 19th best time.

Emanuele Naspetti (GDL Racing BMW 320i) and Tom Coronel (GR Asia SEAT Toledo) had a battle to be the best independent. It was the former who eventually set the best time out of the two securing 14th position. There is no room for complacency however as the Dutchman's time of 2:01.206 places him 15th.

In fact, the top fifteen times were all within 9 tenths of a second indicating the potential for two breathtaking opening races for the 2006 season.