Eric Gené was the second fastest driver in a tight qualifying session, just half a tenth of a second off the pace of rival Spanish driver Felipe Fernández at Spa-Francorchamps. Gené is set to have to fight back from seventh on the grid as he’s carrying a grid penalty over from Portugal, but hopes to use his speed to battle his way back to the front.

The Monlau Motorsport CUPRA was some way ahead of team-mate Jenson Brickley, who struggled with the 30kg of compensation weight after his success in Portugal, and could only qualify in 16th.

“I think it was a tight pole, as Felipe did a very nice lap, and my lap was quite clean,” explained Gené.

“It was very tight - Monlau Motorsport did an incredible job with the car, so now we’re focussing on the race. We’re starting a little bit back, so it’s going to be a bit tricky, but we will focus on getting back to the front.”