Karun Chandhok claimed pole position for the first of two Formula V6 Renault Asia races at the Zhuhai International Circuit, smashing the lap record in the process.

Split into two rather than the normal three knockout qualifying sessions due to time constraints, it did not take long for the shortened format to pressure drivers into a mistake with Matt Halliday sliding off at the first corner and the close following Hamad Al Fardan spinning in sympathy behind.

"Well we will just have to make it an interesting race," Halliday said. "I've had a lot of practice overtaking in the first few races but I'm just not too sure if it will be easy to overtake at this circuit."

"It was just bad luck what happened," added Al Fardan. "I will try my best to push ahead and hope to get a better result in this race for a better start in the second race".