Mitch Evans set the second fastest time in qualifying overnight for the GP2 race at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Only GP2 Championship leader Jolyon Palmer bettered the time set by the 19-year-old New Zealander.
However, Evans will start tonight’s GP2 feature race from third place; on the inside of the second row of the grid.
The 26-car field was split into two groups – odd and even race numbers – for qualifying at the tight and twisty 3.3km street circuit in Monte Carlo.
Palmer and Evans set the fastest times for the 13 odd numbered cars but, with the two groups lined up side-by-side on the grid, the outside of the front row starting slot will go to Rio Haryanto who was fastest amongst the 13 even numbered cars.
Each group had just 16 minutes of track time to qualify and Evans timed his run well to set his best time on the final lap.
Earlier on Thursday, Evans held third fastest time for most of the 45 minute free practice session. He was set to improve further with a flying final lap; but was blocked by a slower car at the final corner and slipped to fifth in the initial running
Evans scored two third place finishes in the GP2 races at Monaco in 2013 after qualifying second fastest.
The 42-lap feature race is scheduled to start at 21.15 tonight (NZ time).
