The Jamie Davies-Thomas Biagi pairing (Vitaphone Racing Team) today (Saturday 27 May) claimed a spot on the front row in qualifying at Brno. The circuit will tomorrow (28 May) host the second round of the FIA GT championship. Englishman Davies set his time of 1'56"105 on his third lap. This performance will see him line up next to pole crew Bert-Janis (Saleen S7R, 1'55"660). The other Maserati MC12, driven by Andrea Bertolini-Michael Bartels, made row three with the seventh fastest time (1'57"411). The Italo-German pair raced well considering that they were weighed down with 65kg (25kg for their final position in 2005 and 40kg following the win in the first race of the season at Silverstone).
Following the rain that had bathed the free practice sessions, qualifying was held in dry conditions. However, the forecast for tomorrow's race, programmed to start at 13.30, is variable. On both wet and dry tracks, the Maserati MC12's can count on the consistency and durability of the Pirelli PZero tyres.

Bartels-Bertolini will be out to strengthen their lead in the drivers' classification over Janis-Bert and Babini-Gollin. Davies-Biagi (fifth at Silverstone) on the other hand, will use their position on the front row as a springboard for an attempt on their first podium.

"From free practice to qualifying, the technicians worked hard and made our MC12 very competitive", declared Jamie Davie. "The Brno circuit is tortuous and has a very abrasive asphalt surface. This means that we have to find a set up that guarantees good performance but that does not excessively wear down the tyres".

"We are pleased with our performance", admitted Andrea Bertolini, "as we knew that with an extra 65kg, above all on this track, it wouldn't be easy to take pole. We set up the car with the race in mind and so starting from the fourth row is a good result".

The three hour race is programmed to start tomorrow (Sunday 28 May) at 13.30.

FIA GT championship qualifying - Brno
1. Bert-Janis (Saleen) 1'55"660;
2. Davies-Biagi (Maserati MC12) 1'56"105;
3. Deletraz-Piccini (Aston Martin) 1'56"702;
4. Gollin-Babini (Aston Martin) 1'57"219;
5. Longin-Kumpen-Hezemans (Corvette) 1'57"353;
6. Pescatori-Ramos (Aston Martin) 1'57"380;
7. Bartels-Bertolini (Maserati MC12) 1'57"411;
8. Wendlinger-Peter (Aston Martin) 1'57"902;
9. Bouchut-Kox (Lamborghini) 1'58"054;
10. Balfe-Derbyshire (Saleen) 2'00"911.

TV coverage
Live (Sunday 28 May):
Sky Italia - 13.15; Player (UK) - 12.15; AB Moteurs (F) - 13.15; Sport 1 (NL) - 13.15; Al Jazeera - 15.15; CT4 (CZE) - 14.20

Highlights:
Player (UK) - Monday 5 June h. 9, 16, 24; Bravo (UK) - Saturday 3 June h. 19; Nuvolari (I) - Monday 5 June h. 17, 23; Sport+ (F) - Wednesday 31 May h. 12.30, Thursday 1° June h. 8.40; Friday 2 June h. 10.05; DSF (D) - Wednesday 31 May h. 21; CT4 (CZE) - Friday 2 June h. 10; Motors TV - Wednesday 31 May h. 20; Channel 4 (UK) - Saturday 3 June h. 7.30, 1; Sky Italia - Tuesday 30 May h. 17.05; CT2 (CZE) - Tuesday 30 May h. 17.05; Kanaal 2 (B) - Saturday 3 June h. 15