Aussie Percat grabs pole position

The Walkinshaw and Coateshire Racing driver was in his elements throughout the day, but he saved the best for the last as he stormed to book his spot at the top of the grid for the race on Saturday. Percat came up with a best time of 2:05.406 after 13 laps. The only woman on the track -- Alice Powell -- was equally impressive but was a little late on the exits and had to settle for second in a time of 2:06.114. Championship leader Jordan King was third (2:06.402).

“The track felt awesome,” said Percat after his brilliant drive. “It is good to be racing in an open car again. My last competitive race in an open car was in 2009. I'm feeling really comfortable. The car has been responding well, and the MRF team have done well in putting it all together.”

In the JK Racing Asia series' practice session, six-time championship winner A Ikhwan Yazid of Meritus GP clocked the fastest time of the day while championship leader Lucas Auer finished second.

Amongst the seven Indians in the fray, Mertus GP's Akhil Kushlani was the quickest after crossing the line in a time of 2:07.513. He finished eighth overall.