American racer Colton Herta has started his campaign in the Euro Formula Open Championship well following a strong qualifying session this morning which will see him start the first race of the 2016 season for Carlin from third on the grid. The 30 minute session was a fast paced affair with Herta at the sharp end throughout; as the flag fell, Herta was the third quickest on track and the highest placed rookie. Meanwhile Keyvan Andres and Ameya Vaidyanathan also enjoyed a solid session and will start race one later this afternoon from tenth and 19th respectively.

Overnight rain ensured a damp track for the drivers this morning however slick tyres were required as the 22 strong field took to the Estoril circuit. The first few minutes saw very little in terms of competitive lap times however as the track began to evolve pace was quickening and by the time the cars came in to the pits to mark the mid-point of the session, it was clear this was to be a competitive qualifying for everyone.

As Herta, Andres and Vaidyanathan left the pit lane for their second run, the times soon began to change dramatically up and down the field. Vaidyanathan was a big mover and jumped up the order before Andres, and most of the grid, did the same.

Herta meanwhile was lining up a strong lap in his sights and with just four minutes remaining jumped in to provisional pole position – but, as had been happening all session long, his time was immediately bettered and he was pushed to second position. With limited time left, Herta continued to push hard for that front row start despite the goalposts constantly changing. As it was, Herta took the flag in third place after hitting traffic – a fantastic position in which to be starting his first Euro Formula Open race. Herta was also the highest placed rookie in the field.

Andres and Vaidyanathan had also improved their times and in the tightly packed field will line up tenth and 19th respectively.

Herta said of his starting position “The first part of the session was pretty good and I was in the top three but it was when everyone moved to new tyres that it got really exciting. Unfortunately on my quickest lap I hit a bit of traffic and lost two tenths so I know we could have been better this morning. The car is feeling really strong though and I’m feeling pretty good too about our chances; our aim for this afternoon is definitely to go for the win because I know we can have a great race in this car starting from third.”