Super Nova Racing endured a nightmare qualifying session at Magny Cours in France on Friday with returnee Andy Soucek and Alvaro Parente both struggling to break into the top-ten.

Soucek, who has been brought in as a permanent replacement for the injury-prone Christian Bakkerud, was ninth quickest in practice and while he showed good potential early on in qualifying, he was unable to better his lap once the session re-started after Bruno Senna's off. Consequently he was knocked down to twelfth place.

Parente meanwhile lost out in traffic and was unable to get a clear lap. Unable to improve his time he initially qualified in 21st place, but was later moved to the back of the grid for failing to slow under a caution.

"After a promising free practice, qualifying did not go according to plan," reflected team boss David Seats.

"Andy Soucek qualified in 12th place after looking capable of being in the top 6, but ended up in 12th place, after the session was delayed when Senna crashed on the finish line, having just claimed the quickest lap.

"Alvaro Parente could not put a lap together and ended up way back, so tomorrow will be a big challenge."