Luca Filippi is well on the way to starting his season in the best possible way after snaring his first GP2 Series pole position for the opening round at Bahrain.

Embarking on his second season in the championship, albeit with Super Nova this year following stints at both FMSI and BCN, Filippi has proved consistently on the pace through pre-season testing but his pole position nonetheless came as a considerable surprise to many.

Indeed, having only qualified in the top ten once before – seventh for his home round of Monza – Filippi beat several more fancied drivers to the top spot and although he admits qualifying has proved his Achilles heel in the past, he is determined to make this optimum position work for him the first race of the season.

“Last year the qualifying sessions weren't my strong point, but the result I gained today makes me feel ready to aim at a good ranking for tomorrow. It's a very quick track and it matches my driving style.

“In the last weeks, when I first drove on it, I felt I would have good chances. I hope tomorrow's race will give me the opportunity to start the season in the best way.”