With track temperature increasing as the sun appeared, Quinn, as he did during qualifying at Round 2 at Donington Park, pitted after a single lap for fresh tyres to the left side of his Mygale-built machine.

He returned to the track and immediately set the fifth quickest time of the session, but was unable to improve, and with other drivers bettering their early times, Quinn ended the session in seventh place.

With the grid for the third and final race of the weekend also made up from the second best qualifying time, Quinn will start from sixth place.

Quinn said he was happy with the results as the Thruxton track provides many overtaking opportunities.

“I’m very happy with the race pace in the car,” Quinn said. “Qualifying is not that important around here. "

"The track is very abrasive, it will be hard on tyres. But mine are in good shape after qualifying and that’s going to be key. I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do in the opening race.”