Johan Kristoffersson with the Audi RS5 on pole position at Imola's Superstars Series

By Tarek Ramchani

The brand new Audi RS5 from Audi Sport Italia debuted at Monza and did quite well. Today the big V8 powered coupe did even better by taking a storming pole position.

Right from the start at Imola the Audi RS5 was among the fastest on track. In the first free practice session, Swedish rookie Johan Kristofferson was the quickest with his #46 Audi. Gianni Morbidelli with the #45 car from Audi Sport Italia finished in a very strong third. The third Audi RS5 of Thomas Schoffler driving for MTM Motorsport was fourteenth. In the second free practice session, Gianni Morbidelli got a nice third. Schoffler was tenth, while Kristofferson didn't take part of that session

In the qualifying session the three Audi RS5 cars were really strong. Johan Kristofferson set the fastest time and took a great pole position. A brilliant result for the Swedish youngster at his second Superstars Series event and he has never been at the Imola circuit before. The strong performance of the Audi RS5 was completed by a great fourth place finish for Gianni Morbidelli. The MTM run car of Thomas Schoffler landed in seventh, last time out the young German driver raced the old B7 Audi RS4. A very good job from the three Audi teams.

At Monza the Audi RS5 was really strong for its debut. This weekend at Imola, the car is clearly one of the strongest, if not the strongest of the field. Starting from pole will give extra chances for Audi to take its first win of the season in the demanding Superstars Series. Both races are set for tomorrow at the famous Enzo & Dino Ferrari circuit.

Qualifying Results:
1 - Johan Kristoffersson - Audi RS5
2 - Andrea Larini - AMG Mercedes-Benz C63
3 - Thomas Biagi - BMW M3
4 - Gianni Morbidelli - Audi RS5
5 - Tonio Liuzzi - AMG Mercedes-Benz C63
6 - Francesco Sini - Chevrolet Lumina
7 - Thomas Schoffler - Audi RS5

Photo Credits: International Superstars Series and Audi Sport Italia