Hart makes fast Formula Ford start

Synergy Motorsport driver Mathew Hart has claimed pole position for the opening race of this year’s Australian Formula Ford Championship at the 2012 Formula 1 QANTAS Australian Grand Prix.

Hart, who finished as the top rookie in the 2011 championship, led a Synergy 1-2 in the session, edging out team-mate Liam Sager by just .0176 of a second. Shae Davies will start third on the grid, ahead of Garry Jacobson, Jonathon Venter and CAMS Rising Star Jack LeBrocq, who set the pace in this morning’s 30-minute practice session.

“I can’t believe it,” Hart, who was second in practice, enthused.

“We made a couple of changes before qualifying and it worked extremely well, I couldn’t fault the car one bit. With my team-mate and me on the front row, it’s an awesome feeling – I can’t wait for Race 1 tomorrow.”

Like many of the young drivers in this weekend’s field, Hart is racing at Albert Park for the first time, having been a member of a pit crew in Formula Ford’s last appearance in 2010. After his first day on track, he’s impressed.

“I love the track. It’s definitely one of my favourites now,” the 17-year-old said.

“The layout’s awesome, with the layout of the corners and the fine details of the track; you see each ripple strip with its own characteristics. It’s a world-class facility and there’s a great atmosphere.”

The Formula Ford field will return to the track at 3:25pm tomorrow, Friday, for the first of three eight-lap races.