Third in race 1, Argentinian driver Facundo Della Motta (Pujolaracing) was the first to post a time, but was bumped from top spot by Tomas Pekar (Lema Racing Team), with Oscar Nogues then going fastest. Massimiliano Pedala posted a new benchmark time before Stephane Polderman (Pujolaracing) went off, prompting a caution period. The drivers stayed out on the track, resuming the hunt for the fastest time with four minutes to go.

Times dropped right across the board in the closing stages, with Josh Files snatching pole with a final lap of 2:24.798 to head the field from Eric Tremoulet and Alex Morgan. Oscar Nogues qualified in fourth ahead of Mikel Azcona and Massimiliano Pedala.

Sunday’s Eurocup Clio race at the Nürburgring gets under way at 14.05.

Josh Files: “The full yellow complicated things, but it gave us the chance to keep the tyres at the right temperature. Though first sector was a bit slippery, it was still possible to go flat out. I think a lot of people made a mistake in the first complex, but we made the right decisions at the right time, unlike yesterday. Setting off on slicks was the thing to do. I hope we’ll see some rain during the race because I think a win from pole is on.”