APRIL 23, 2005

Lapierre takes GP2 pole for Arden

France's Nicolas Lapierre set the fastest time in qualifying for the inaugural GP2 race at Imola. Lapierre scores two points for pole position, beating Giorgio Pantano by 0.005secs. Jose-Maria Lopez was third fastest for DAMS while fourth place went to Venezuelan Ernesto Viso's BCN entry. Arden confirmed its position as the top team with Heikki Kovalainen fifth on the grid with America's Scott Speed in sixth, Adam Carroll seventh, Nelson Piquet Jr eighth, Gianmaria Bruni ninth and Juan Cruz Alvarez's Campos Racing in 10th.

Nico Rosberg was a disappointing 11th ahead of Neel Jani, Ryan Sharp and Ferdinando Monfardini.