MARK Wakefield picked a perfect moment to put in his best qualifying performance since joining the MINI Challenge UK series.

The Northwich driver will start the first race of a new season from the grid’s front row after setting the second-fastest time at Oulton Park – his home circuit – on Saturday.

And the teenager missed out on pole by the narrowest of margins, just 0.011s, from Excelr8 Motorsport teammate Max Bladon.

Theirs were the stand-out machines during an interrupted half-hour session which was halted twice by a red flag.

After the first restart, Bladon and Wakefield took it in turns to go quickest before another stoppage.

“We felt capable of getting on the front row but I’d have been happy with a place in the top 10,” said the latter, whose previous best qualifying result since stepping up to the series’ premier JCW class was eighth.

The 19-year-old had been prevented by a fuel issue from taking part in testing at the Little Budworth track on Friday.

However he was able to squeeze in some time behind the wheel during a track day 24 hours earlier.

Now he hopes to start a maiden campaign with Norfolk outfit Excelr8 in style on Monday, when two races are scheduled.

Wakefield added: “Joining a team for the first time has made a huge difference.

“The car is set up differently, and I’m more confident as a result. I can keep my foot down!”

Reece Barr will start from third place, while defending champion David Grady is down in 11th.

Full results from qualifying

Want to catch Mark in action on Monday? Here’s what you need to know:

Timetable

MINI Challenge UK

Monday, April 17

Race one (20 minutes) 1225-1245

Race two (20 minutes) 1630-1650

Admission

Monday, April 17

Adults £25

Under 13s Free

Television schedule

Monday, April 17

Front Runner (Freeview Ch. 91 or SKY Ch.468) 1045-1400 and 1500-1715