IRL: Scott Dixon on pole position in Japan

Ganassi’s Scott Dixon has taken pole position of the 2009 IndyCar race presented at the Twin Ring Motegi in Japan after his final effort was enough to displace Mario Moraes (KV Racing) for a surprise top spot.

The Brazilian driver had looked destined to come out on top around the Japanese circuit, only for Dixon, the last of 23 qualifiers, to snatch it away from him.

For Dixon, the timing could not be better as he attempts to overhaul Ryan Briscoe's 32 point advantage over him in the standings.

Nonetheless, both Ryan Briscoe (Penske) and Dario Franchitti (Ganassi) are well positioned for the race too, securing the second row, the Scot ahead of the Australian in third and fourth.

Graham Rahal is showing great form for Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing with fifth place ahead of last year winner Danica Patrick (AGR).

Further back, Helio Castroneves has it all to do from 22nd on the grid after crashing out on his third qualifying lap on the exit of turn four.


Indy Japan 300 – Qualifying results:

Pos. Driver Team Time Speed
1. Scott Dixon Ganassi 1m 48.3400s 202.031mph
2. Mario Moraes KVRT 1m 48.6231s 201.504mph
3. Dario Franchitti Ganassi 1m 48.6820s 201.395mph
4. Ryan Briscoe Penske 1m 48.9772s 200.849mph
5. Graham Rahal NHLR 1m 49.0862s 200.649mph
6. Danica Patrick AGR 1m 49.1569s 200.519mph
7. Oriol Servia NHLR 1m 49.6027s 199.703mph
8. Dan Wheldon Panther 1m 49.6083s 199.693mph
9. Justin Wilson Dale Coyne 1m 49.7204s 199.489mph
10. Tomas Scheckter Dreyer & Reinbold 1m 49.7944s 199.354mph
11. Etc…….