Walavalkar clinches pole in Volkswagen Polo R Cup

Chennai: Pushing his Race Polo to the extreme, Ameya Walavalkar took pole position for Race 1 of Round 3 of the JK Tyre Volkswagen Polo R Cup at the Madras Motor Race Track here Saturday.

Ameya clocked 2:01.037 and will be joined in the front row by Sandeep Kumar, who finished 0.672 seconds behind. Polo R Cup 2010 champion Sailesh Bolisetti impressed upon his return and will start from third on the grid, 1.395 seconds off the pole time. Ameya will start on pole for the second consecutive race weekend after claiming pole at the last race weekend in Coimbatore. Ameya said: "It feels good to pick up from where I left the last round. I managed to get my best time on the opening lap when the tyres were at its best. The start here tomorrow will be important so I have to make sure that I manage to stay ahead going into the first corner." Starting second on the grid, Sandeep said: "I am quite satisfied with the result but just could not match Ameya`s great lap. However, I am more confident for the race as I feel the car will be better over race distance." Sailesh, the 2010 winner, was quickly on the pace upon his return and is happy to start third on the grid. "It feels great to be back here and even better to drive the all new TSI Race Polo. The car feels a lot more powerful. Qualifying could have been better but am happy to start in third."