French rookie Olivier Pla has marked himself out as favourite for the International F3 Korea Super Prix after securing pole position for Sunday's event.
The 21-year-old from Toulouse, France, grabbed first place on the grid with his performance in the second half-hour qualifying session.
He said: "I have been confident right from the outset. I feel I have a lot to prove here because this is my last chance to impress people this season and I want to finish the season on a good note. I really like the circuit and the ASM team has given me a perfect car for the race."
Pla, who finished third in the French Formula Three championship this season, said pole position would give him a strong chance in the race.
"The quality of the drivers at the front is so high that being in front at the start is extremely important. It is now down to me to make a good start," he added.

Japanese driver Kousuke Matsuura will line up alongside Pla on the front row of the grid after setting the fastest time from the second group of qualifiers. The Prema Powerteam driver said he was pleased with his performance, but felt he could have gone even quicker.
"I wanted to make some small changes to the car, but there was not enough track time left. There was some oil on the track as well as a lot of interruptions for red flags so I am happy to be lining up on the front row despite the problems."

Finnish Fortec Motorsport driver Heikki Kovalainen took third place after recovering from an accident during practice on Friday which destroyed his car. He will share the second row with Frenchman Bruce Jouanny, driving for the Promatecme team.
Kovalainen said: "I had the biggest accident of my life on Friday, and the problem in qualifying was my neck, which was extremely painful. That was causing me the most problems and I am happy to be on the second row."

Jouanny was another recovering from an accident. He collided with a stationary car during the opening qualifying session, but his team worked hard to repair the damaged Dallara and he was able to start the second period.

Jouanny said: "The balance of the car was perfect and the team did a good job to give me a car which was capable of being on the second row. I am a bit disappointed though, because without the problems this morning I am sure I could have gone even faster."

The Korean International Formula Three Super Prix takes place tomorrow over two 25-lap legs. The event, now in its fourth year, is well supported by international sponsors, such as Kumho Tires, official tire supplier, Samsung and Daewoo Engineering & Construction Company Limited.

November 23, 2002