Alex Ninovic, Freddie Slater and Deagen Fairclough were the quickest drivers in qualifying at Brands Hatch. Here's how the top-three reacted at the end of the two sessions:
Double pole, Alex Ninovic, Rodin Motorsport:
"I'm super super happy with the result today. I honestly don’t really know how I did that! But I just went out there and I didn’t stress too much and I really just drove how I felt.
"The car was great, and then I’m guessing all the preparation we’ve done, it just happened naturally and I didn’t have to think too much about what I had to do - it was more just go out there and do what I felt was right.
"To come away with such a big margin to P2 and everyone else, it’s special and I’m really really excited and also proud to be on a double pole here at Brands Hatch. It’s such a legendary circuit, as well for as my engineer Jimmy – it’s his home circuit, he used to live on the side of the track coming out of Stirlings. He’s super excited and the team’s done an amazing job.
"It's a really good weekend to be at the front. I think this morning, I was quite reserved in the Free Practice, and then I knew where I had to pick up time and going out there I felt comfortable because I hadn’t gone over the limit. I was right under the limit. Once we went out there, I felt the grip and I was like, ‘the track feels really sticky’ and I put it all down and definitely came away with a massive gap.
"I'm super super proud of that [winning the Pole Position Cup two rounds early]. It's a really nice way to wrap up that trophy.
"I'm Looking forward to the races coming up, starting on pole, it gives us the best opportunity. As long as everything goes well, I think we should be able to finish up the front and grab some good points for the championship."
Second, Freddie Slater, Hillspeed:
"Really not the result I wanted. I just messed up Q1 and I made too many mistakes. I didn’t quite get the rhythm right and then Q2, just missing a little bit of speed in a few places, which I’m honestly a bit annoyed about, especially with Q1 because that was all down to me. Overall, it's a positive place to be, and for bad days, P2, I’ll take it! So pretty positive.
"I was always going for pole, that was always the target to start with. We’re going off P2 twice now so we’ll see if it pays off with the slightly better grid position, see if it works.
"These boys have done a few more starts than I have so it’s going to be something I’m going to have to adapt to later on today. But honestly, I couldn’t think of a better car and track. Honestly this track’s incredible to drive. Every time I come back, I love it more and more. I think a few people need to take a few pages out of Brands Hatch GP’s book and start making more tracks like this.
"I want to try and win the race, try and win two races and then race through in race three in the reverse grid which is always nice to do."
Third, Deagen Fairclough, Hitech TGR
"The position’s quite nice, but obviously we wanted the front row. I’m pretty pleased. A few little bits I need to sort out on my behalf. But I’m happy to be out the front and now fighting with the front two.
"Hopefully we don’t go backwards! A podium would be nice, well two podiums. We’re P3 in both races now, and P10 in reverse. So it’s good positions and the racing’s so close, anything can happen.
"Brands Hatch is so abrasive, very easy to go off at any moment with one little mistake. I’m looking forward to the race later on. I love Brands Hatch. Such a nice flowing, abrasive circuit as it’s nature. Local for me too is not too bad, only 30 minutes away! It’s really nice to be back up the front."