Wilson Qualifies on Front Row at Watkins Glen |
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Topics: Sebastian Saavedra, Stefan Wilson, Corning 100
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Andrew Herta
Bryan Herta Autosport
July 3, 2010
Stefan Wilson claimed his career-best Firestone Indy Lights starting position of second this afternoon in qualifying for Sunday’s Corning 100 at Watkins Glen International. Wilson, who was second-quickest in the two practice sessions held earlier today, mounted a strong challenge to polesitter James Hinchcliffe in the closing stages of qualifying but fell short by two-tenths of a second. Wilson will be making his ninth Indy Lights road/street course start tomorrow (12th in total) and will be looking to better his career-best result of third on the streets of St. Petersburg earlier this year.
Teammate Sebastian Saavedra, fresh off his first win and pole position of the season two weeks ago in Iowa, will line up fourth on the grid after being bumped from third by J.K. Vernay in the final moments by only 0.07 seconds. Saavedra was fourth and sixth in the earlier practice sessions today. He has five top-four starting positions to his credit to date this season.
Tomorrow’s 29-lap race around the 3.4-mile, 11-turn permanent road course will begin at 1:30 pm ET.
Qualifying Results:
1. James Hinchcliffe 1:37.3594 = 124.610 mph
2. Stefan Wilson 1:37.6394 = 124.253 mph
3. J.K. Vernay 1:38.1532 = 123.603 mph
4. Sebastian Saavedra 1:38.2258 = 123.511 mph
Stefan Wilson, #28 Dallara/Firestone: “It was a good day. We have been pretty quick all day and P2 in the practice sessions and in qualifying. I am really pleased with my performance and everyone on the team. Hopefully, we can carry this performance through to a good result in the race tomorrow.”
Sebastian Saavedra, #29 William Rast Dallara/Firestone: “Qualifying went great. We made good decisions on putting new tires on at the right moment and gambling a little bit with the yellows and were able to maximize everything. Getting P2 and P4 is good for Bryan Herta Autosport. Of course we want to be at the front but what matters is tomorrow and good points for the championship. We’ll do our best. Stefan and I are already working to make a plan for tomorrow. I am disappointed that we were not able to maintain third place but, in the end, it is something that may be irrelevant tomorrow and I am looking forward to the race.”