Mike Halder is chasing his first victory since 2022 to add to his points tally at the head of the championship, after just missing out on pole by two-tenths of a second in his ballast-laden Honda Civic Type R.
 

The German driver posted his best time on his second run to secure the outside of the front row at Paul Ricard in qualifying, and is hoping to overhaul polesitter Viktor Andersson, who he had a close fight with for second just three weeks’ ago at Spa-Francorchamps, for the victory.

“It was a very good qualifying,” said Halder. “On my second lap in Q2 I was on the absolute limit. The team gave me an amazing car, I had a great balance even with 40kg, but our goal is to always be carrying the 40kg as that means we’re doing something right.

Ahead of this afternoon’s race, where Halder is chasing his first victory since the Norisring in 2022, he added: “We’re in a very good position in regards to race pace. I also had a really good fight with Viktor at Spa, this time hopefully I can get in front and do it the other way around.”