Marco Giltrap continues to make a statement in the Porsche Sprint Challenge Australia, taking pole position at Symmons Plains in Tasmania as the series races in support of Supercars.
The closest-ever qualifying run of the Sprint Challenge saw less than .1 of a second separating the top four competitors, with second-placed Lachlan Bloxsom only .0464 seconds off Giltrap’s best time of 52.2810 seconds.
Fellow Kiwi Ronan Murphy is also in the mix, setting the fourth-fastest time and only .0792 seconds off Giltrap. Zac Stichbury is one further place behind that, starting fifth despite only being .1761 seconds off top spot.
It sets the scene for three extremely competitive races to come over the weekend on the Tasmanian circuit, with Giltrap saying it’ll be a race worth watching.
“It was pretty surprising given where we came from in practice,” the Team Porsche New Zealand driver said. “We struggled quite a bit but we moved on from there and we improved.
“It takes a while for the tyres to come in. Ultimately we got that time, then we changed tyres and couldn’t go any quicker. My time was set earlier in the session, and it was enough to clinch pole.
“It reminds me of back home in New Zealand; it’s tight, there’s walls close by. The racing is going to be super intense. There’s going to be a lot on that first lap with people getting to the front.
“I think it will be a good watch – make sure to tune in for that. It’s going to be close – there’s nothing in it.”
Giltrap currently leads the championship, having taken two race wins and a second place at the season-opening round at Phillip Island.
All three Porsche Sprint Challenge races will be televised on Sky Sport 5 this weekend, with the opener at 1.35 pm tomorrow and Race 2 at 4.35 pm. Sunday’s sole race begins at 1.45 pm.
Header Image: Marco Giltrap
