Pole Position

Encyclopedia : P : PO : POL : Pole Position

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In circuit motorsport, a driver has pole position when he starts a race at the front of the grid. The term comes from the horse racing term where the number one starter starts on the inside next to the inside pole. The term made its way, along with several other customs, to auto racing. Grid position is usually determined by a separate qualifying session where drivers try to set the fastest lap, or based on their position in the previous race.

Different motorsport series use different formats for determing which driver has the opportunity to start from pole position.

Formula 1 1996 until 2003: Drivers were permitted up to twelve laps to record a fastest lap in a one hour session on Saturday.

Formula 1 2003, 2004, and 2005 from May 28: Pole position is determined by the best time on a single lap run on Saturday, with race fuel.

Formula 1 2005, March 6 - May 22: Pole position was determined by the aggregate times from two qualifying sessions. One on Saturday with minimal fuel and a second on Sunday morning with race fuel.

Formula 1 2006: After each of two 15 minute elimination session, the 6 slowest cars are removed , then the top 10 drivers aim to set the fastest lap possible on whatever fuel load they choose (which they must take into the race).

NASCAR Current: Pole position is determined by a 2 lap trial (one lap on the road courses). The fastest lap is counted towards the pole. Before 2000, NASCAR had a 2 day qualifying format, but then they went to a single engine rule. The Daytona 500 has a different system involving 2 qualifying races.

Indianapolis 500 Current: Pole position is determined on the first day of the 4 days of qualifying. 4 laps are run by each car. The average speed is what determines the positions, including pole. A time set in an earlier session always starts above a faster time set later, although the fastest 33 times always start.

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