TORONTO, July 5 (UPI) -- Cristiano da Matta captured the provisional pole position Friday for the CART Fed-Ex Molson Indy Toronto at Exhibition Place.
Da Matta, who can tie a CART record this weekend with his fourth straight victory, posted a top time of 58.487 seconds in a Havoline Toyota/Lola for an average speed of 108.024 miles per hour.
The Brazilian earned one bonus point and is guaranteed a front-row starting spot in Sunday's race. He opened a 26-point advantage over Bruno Junqueira in the overall standings.
Junqueira posted a time of 58.724 seconds in a Target Toyota/ Lola, while Paul Tracy was third (58.953) in a KOOL Honda/Lola.
Completing the top five were Kenny Brack and Dario Franchitti. Brack had the fastest time during the morning practice session.
Da Matta held on to the provisional pole despite a near accident late in the session when he brushed the wall. As he braked at the end of the backstretch, the wheels on the Toyota/Lola locked up, causing suspension damage. He was uninjured.
