Oliver Oakes has taken a surprise pole position for the final round of the British Formula 3 International Series at Donington Park following a rain-hit session.

Oakes, who has only competed sporadically this season driving for the minnow Eurotek team, was one of the drivers who pushed hard on slick tyres in the early stages of the qualifying session, despite a smattering of rain making the surface greasy.

While many hoped the conditions would improve, the rain returned to ensure that Oakes' best lap of 1min 09.294secs would not be beaten by any other driver.

Coupled to the surprise of Oakes' result is the fact that championship leader Oliver Turvey will start down in 14th position after failing to get the best of his tyres when it mattered.

Crucially for him, arch-rival Jaime Alguersuari will start from second on the grid, thus making the Spaniard's task of overhauling a 12 point gap to the Brit all the more manageable.

Sergio Perez was on good form to qualify in third place, ahead of Nick Tandy, the Mygale driver bouncing back from his penalty in first qualifying to claim a spot on the second row of the grid.

Marcus Ericsson was also a big improver to go fifth ahead of Brendon Hartley, while Jay Bridger and Steven Guerrero gave the National class runners a boost in seventh and eighth position.

Sam Abay and Dean Smith rounded out the top ten.