The first qualification kept its promises. The field is one of the most complete of the decade and the hunt for pole position is very tight. Five or six drivers took the advantage at one time or another and it was finally Marcus Ericsson who took the best time (2'11?848) with 2'15 to go, dethroning the Grande champion Brittany in title, the Australian Daniel Ricciardo, for 37/100th. Another lively favorite and often at the top of the ranking, Edoardo Mortara ends his first day in 3rd place.
The session was stopped at the red flag 1'30 from the checkered flag, when Belgian Laurens Vanthoor (Signature VW), the German Champion, crashed at Police Bend.
Jean-Karl Vernay made good progress to finish 9th, one second behind. Jules Bianchi was in the top five for a good part of the session, but a problem with his left rear wheel coming loose prevented him from improving at the end of the session. We remain confident at ART, because Bird and Bottas are also playing in front and the second qualifying on Friday will not fail to redistribute the cards, especially since most will fit new tires this time.
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