Stoneman earns his first F2 pole in Morocco

Dean Stoneman not only earned his first Formula Two series pole but he did so in style, taking the fastest time in today's qualifying for the first of the two races this weekend by nearly three-tenths of a second. With a time of 1:32.559, the Briton lead a one-two-three all-British podium.

"I've coped with the circuit really well - it's been down to who can be the most consistent, and I've proved that over the three sessions," said Stoneman.

Slotting second on the grid, Jolyon Palmer turned his best lap in Marrakech, Morocco at 1:32.836 while Jack Clarke laid down a lap of 1:32.853 and just missed the front row by 0.017 seconds.

Placing on the second row in fourth was Denmark's Johan Jokinen with his best of 1:32.939.

Stoneman had shown his speed in practice and wasted no time clocking off a fast lap early in the session. Still others were knocking off top times practicing their best lines before the final 15 minutes when they would head out with fresh tires.

As several of the top drivers traded off the top spot, the real surprise came from Armaan Ebrahim who jumped up to the top of the speedcharts with less than 10 minutes remaining on the clock.

While the Indian racer did not stay on top, the pleasure of holding the provisional grid was satisfying. Ebrahim will start the first race 8th on the grid.

Stoneman flew for a time that stood up to the final challenges and smiles as he said, "I went out on old tyres, took it nice and steady, then changed onto fresh rubber and managed to set a good time, although I had a few more tenths in the bank if I needed it!"

Race one will be held on Saturday but the drivers will have little chance to celebrate before they will run qualifying laps to set the grid for the second race on Sunday.