During the 30-minute qualifying session, the 25-year-old Jones, who hails from Benowa and is the son of 1980 Formula One world champion Alan Jones, engaged newly crowned Asian Formula 3 International Class champion and Shell Casino Filipino Team Tom’s driver Pepon Marave in a brief but heated battle.
Marave, who topped the timesheets during official practice with a scorching 1:25.428, threw down the gauntlet with a 1:26.030 and Jones responded with a 1:26.045.
On his fifth lap, Marave overcooked his entry into the notorious Brian’s Curve, spun off into the grass and was unable to start. Jones thereafter found his race legs around the 3.1-kilometer circuit, which he is racing on for the very first time, and submitted a 1:25.830 which remained unchallenged for the remainder of the session.
Despite his excursion, Marave’s time will be good enough to put him alongside Jones in today’s start.
Outgoing Asian Formula 3 champion Mark Goddard of Castrol-Ambi Pur Car Team Goddard, who posted a 1:26.586, will start from third on the grid.
His teammate Jojo Silverio, who timed in at 1:26.812, will start from fourth.
Fifth spot will be occupied by 2002 Asian Formula Renault champion Enzo Pastor of Casino Filipino Team Petron, who registered a 1:27.348.
Starting from seventh will be Denso Hanjin JF3’s Richard Joson, who posted a 1:27.393.
General Motors Speedtech Asia Petron’s Roland Hermoso qualified seventh with a 1:27.502.