Grunwell clinches pole after battle with Abay.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Thailand's James Grunwell (17/Team Meritus) clinched pole for Round 2 of Formula BMW Asia today at the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix after an epic battle with Australia's Sam Abay (18/Team E-Rain), pole man for the opening round. Grunwell, a Rookie and BMW Junior, took the top spot with a margin of just 1?tenths of a second from Abay as the times at the front of the grid dropped from the morning session.

Third fastest qualifier for the second time today was BMW Junior Daniel Ricciardo (16/Eurasia Motorsport), proving he is consistently quick. Earl Bamber (NZL/Team Meritus) was once again 4th quickest with Hamed Al Fardan (BRN/Team Meritus), and Zahir Ali (INA/Eurasia Motorsport) also maintaining their positions from the earlier session.

Commented Grunwell: "Everything is a lot better this afternoon! I didn't realise how close Sam was and I thought I was further ahead. I knew I could take pole, but I just couldn't get that one good lap together this morning." Abay didn't agree with Grunwell's take on the margin however, saying: "1 ?tenths - that's a lot! Overall I drove as hard as I could and as hard as I could give the car. I'm quite confident I can win both races, and I get great support from my team so am sure the car will be good for the whole race distance."

Kiwi youngster and BMW Junior Dominic Storey (16/Eurasia Motorsport) qualified 8th, unable to improve on his position from the first session as 2004 championship runner-up, Korea's You Kyoung Ouk returned to form. You competed in two full seasons of Formula BMW Asia, and returns this weekend in a one-off appearance.

Malaysian hope Aaron Lim (Eurasia Motorsport) continued to struggle with a brake problem, qualifying 11th.

Round 1 of Formula BMW Asia will be run over 10 laps of the 5.6km Sepang International Circuit this afternoon.

-fbmw-


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