NURBURG, Germany – official release — On the twisty Nurburgring GP-Strecke, Ander Vilarino set the fastest lap early in the 15-minute qualifying session and took the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series ELITE 1 Saturday race pole position.

This is the first pole of the season for the two-time NASCAR Whelen Euro Series champion.

“My team did an outstanding job today and I want to thank them, because during practice the car was sliding a lot and we changed many things in the setup,” said Vilarino. “I’m very happy about this pole and tomorrow being consistent over the entire race will be fundamental.”

The Spaniard posted an impressive lap of 1:33”245, which placed him .339 of a second ahead of fellow countryman Borja Garcia. The second row went to Still Racing teammates Frederic Gabillon and Freddy Nordstrom, who was first in the Jerome Sarran classification. Anthony Kumpen, second in points, posted the fifth time ahead of Bas Leinders and Eddie Cheever III. Fabrizio Armetta led the Challenger Trophy classification with the 13th time overall.

Young Drivers Program rookie Thomas Ferrando scored his first career pole in the ELITE 2 division qualifications by setting a fastest lap time of 1:35’’013, edging Salvador Tineo Arroyo by .103 of a second. Third was Philipp Lietz ahead of Tours Speedway double-winner Denis Dupont  and returning Italian driver Luca Pirri, who was first in the Gentleman Trophy classification. Championship leader Maxime Dumarey took the sixth spot on the grid.

“It’s been tough and I’m so happy with the pole position,” said Ferrando. “Tomorrow I’ll try to avoid every mistake and do my best in order to stay up front.”