GP ANNIVERSARY TROPHY GOLDEN JUBILEE CUP

Saturday November 8
Qualifying
Weather: Dry and overcast

SIMON HADFIELD POWERS TO POLE POSITION

Simon Hadfield thrilled the crowds with some spectacular driving in his Lotus 30 on Saturday to grab pole position for this weekend's 50th Macau Grand Prix Anniversary Trophy and Golden Jubilee Cup.

The Briton made full use of his car's straight-line speed advantage to dominate the session and edge out the Lola T70 Spyder of Frank Sytner. The grid line-up has set up the prospect of a repeat of the mammoth battle that Hadfield and Sytner enjoyed at this year's Goodwood historic festival.

Hadfield was delighted with his performance and confessed that he could not hide his delight at the challenge of racing at Macau. "This place is extraordinary," he said. "I have been driving all around the world but nothing can compare with Macau. I never thought I would have the chance to race at this track, because I am not a Formula 3 driver, and I would like to thank Macau for giving me the chance to come. I have really enjoyed it."

Sytner was pleased to take second spot but admitted that his day had been far from easy. His recently restored Chevrolet V8-powered Lola T70 lacks the downforce of Hadfield's Lotus 30 and that has left him needing to take extra care to keep away from the walls. "Unfortunately my car can't grow two wings overnight," said Sytner of his prospects for the race. "I will try and chase Simon and then we will see what happens."

Denis Welch was third quickest, having been pipped to a front row slot by Sytner in the closing seconds of the session. Although his Lotus 23B does not have the outright straight-line speed of the cars ahead of him, he was optimistic that he could still challenge the brutish Lotus 30 and Lola T70 on the twisty back section of the track. He said: "You always think there is a chance."

Denmark's Jac Nellemann was the fastest driver in the A-class category for cars built between 1950 and 1959. His Lotus 15 edged out Julian Bronson's A-class Lister Costin and the B-class Elva BMW Mk7 of David Clarke. Matt Grist was an impressive seventh overall in his Ferrari 750 Monza - securing the third quickest time for an A-class car.

Issued on behalf of the Macau Grand Prix Committee by PR Plus Limited