Sam Abay will start the sixth round of the Formula BMW Asia Championship at the Goldenport Circuit from pole position after taking advantage of champions leader Earl Bamber's reliability woes.

The Team E-Rain driver managed to edge out the leading BMW Junior Dominic Storey, while James Grunwell and Daniel Ricciardo make up the second row on the Beijing circuit.

However, although Abay now has an ideal opportunity to close the gap on three-time Sepang winner Bamber, the Australian was disappointed that his rival succumbed to electrical problems before being able to challenge for pole.

"I was sad that Earl wasn't in the session so we couldn't have a real competition this time. But I was really determined to take pole. The circuit requires a lot of thinking, but I think we'll have a great race."