Jean-Eric Vergne takes Hungary Formula Renault 3.5 pole

Carlin's Jean-Eric Vergne claimed pole position for race 1 of the Formula Renault 3.5 race at the Hungaroring.

"That didn't go to plan," said team boss Trevor Carlin. "To be honest we sent Jean-Eric out at the wrong time, and he came out in massive traffic. That ruined his routine and he locked up and got a flat spot. Then he just drove the hell out of it on the last lap. He wasn't expecting [pole]."

BVM Target's Sergio Canamasas ended the session in 2nd. However, a four-place grid penalty incurred for an incident at the last round at the Nurburgring will send him back to 6th.

"The team did a good a job, and I am so happy with the pace," said Canamasas, who has enjoyed a huge upturn in form after an awful 2010 with the departed FHV Interwetten squad. "It is a pity about the Nurburgring penalty, but I believe we can fight for a podium anyway."

P1 Motorsport's Daniil Move will therefore start 2nd.

Brendon Hartley will start in third.

"I think it is one of our best qualifying performances of the year," said Hartley. "We have been struggling in qualifying so it is a good step forward for our race prospects. It is also nice to see the field is so close. There are not that many championships in the world where 20 cars are covered by less than one second."

Fortec's Alexander Rossi from the USA will join Hartley on the second row.

Race 1 Qualifying

Will be demoted 4 grid positions due to penalty