Franchitti on pole for IndyCar opening race

MOTORSPORT: Defending series champion Dario Franchitti won pole position for the IndyCar season-opener on the streets of Sao Paulo.

The Scot clocked one minute, 27.7354 seconds at the 2.6-mile Anhembi temporary circuit, .0322 seconds ahead of Alex Tagliani of Canada and .0829 in front of England's Justin Wilson.

Franchitti had struggled on the first day of practice on Saturday and was nowhere near the front with his Target Chip Ganassi car, but he recovered nicely in yesterday's session and will lead the pack in the first race of season.

"I was a little surprised to get into (the final part of qualifying)," said the Bathgate-born driver.

"I didn't have a very good day yesterday. We struggled to get my car the way I wanted it to work. I give all the credit to the team."