13 March - A Champion Racing Audi RS 6 “Competition” starts the opening round of this year’s SPEED World GT Challenge tomorrow (FRIDAY) from the front row of the grid.

Randy Pobst had looked set for a pole-position start having headed the time sheets after an early fastest lap today.

But Randy, new to the Audi Sport North America-backed Champion outfit this year, lost out on the No.1 spot with less than five of the 20-minute qualifying session remaining.

“I’m obviously very pleased despite missing out on pole,” said an ecstatic Pobst. “To bag a front row start on my maiden race with Audi is a great introduction for me. The Champion Racing team have done a magnificent job on the world motor racing debut of the RS 6. I can’t wait to start using Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel-drive traction – it’ll be a revelation.”

Meanwhile defending World Challenge GT champion Michael Galati claimed a third row start – deprived of improving in the dying moments of the session when the chequer came out slightly early due to a stricken car on the track.

Mike commented: “I’m satisfied with a top-five place. To claim second and fifth places on the grid for our first RS 6 race is a great performance. But I know the race will be tough – it’ll be a case of taking care of the car.”

Rod Bymaster, Audi Sport North America’s Motorsport Manager, commented: “Champion have done a great job. They made some improvements to the car overnight which helped today. I’m looking forward to the race”

The 50-minute race around Sebring’s 3.7-mile track starts at 1625 tomorrow (FRIDAY).

Sebring International Raceway, 13 March - Qualifying:

Michael Galati (43). Born: Alcaralifusi, Messina, Sicily. Lives: North Olmsted, Ohio. Qualified: 5th (2mins 14.021secs), 99.387mph (average speed)

Randy Pobst (45). Born: Dayton, Ohio. Lives: Gainesville, Georgia. Qualified: 2nd (2mins 12.887secs), 100.235mph (average speed)

Sebring SPEED GT Top Ten Qualifiers:

1(73), Phil McClure, Floris, Iowa, Corvette Z06, 2:12.646, 100.417
2(2), Randy Pobst, Gainesville, Ga., Audi RS 6, 2:12.887, 100.235
3(44), John Young, Woodside, Calif., Saleen SR 351, 2:13.215, 99.988
4(22), Mike Fitzgerald, Phoenix, Ariz., Porsche 911 Cup, 2:13.258, 99.956
5(1), Michael Galati, N. Olmstead, Ohio, Audi RS 6, 2:14.021, 99.387
6(7), Bill Auberlen, Hermosa Beach, Calif., BMW M3, 2:14.350, 99.144
7(8), Hans Stuck, Austria, BMW M3, 2:14.998, 98.668
8(69), Victor Contreras(R), San Juan Puerto Rico, Porsche 911 Cup, 2:15.043, 98.635
9(6), Boris Said, Carlsbad, Calif., BMW M3, 2:15.228, 98.500
10(14), Michael Culver, Westport, Conn., Porsche 911 Cup, 2:16.298, 97.727.

Champion Racing SPEED GT Sebring Formguide (Audi S4 “Competition”).

2001 – Galati: Qualified 3rd. Result 2nd. Bell: Qualified: 7th. Result: 24th. 2002 – Galati: Qualified 1st (2:19.229). Result 1st. Bell: Qualified: 9th.

Result: 7th.

* Pobst: Did not enter