Caterham Racing set the pace in the first half of qualifying in Monza with a strong showing from Giedo van der Garde, the Dutchman initially looking set to have claimed pole position for Saturday's race. However, with only six minutes of the session remaining, Carlin's Max Chilton knocked him off top spot in a late push for pole. Van der Garde then replied by posting an improved lap time of 1:31.953, but despite this valiant effort, it still left him just 0.067 seconds behind Chilton meaning he starts in a strong P2 on the grid for race one.

With contrasting fortunes teammate Rodolfo Gonzalez was unfortunate once again in his attempts to make his way up the grid. Despite driving well, the Venezuelan failed to put a consistently fast lap time together and after 14 determined attempts he qualified P25 for Saturday's GP2 feature race.

Giedo van der Garde - P2 "We set the fastest lap on our third attempt, and were then a little unlucky in the second half of the session with timing and yellow flags. Right at the end Chilton posted a quicker lap than me but overall I am happy with our position. It is a pity we didn't make pole after such a strong start, but the car is in great shape and the whole team are all really focused. It would be fantastic to have something to celebrate tomorrow night, and I am confident we can do something from P2."

Rodolfo Gonzalez P25 "I am obviously very disappointed with my performance. It was a very close session but I lost time in two corners which is crucial on this circuit. The balance of the car felt good but I just couldn't put a lap together. We start in a difficult position, but I am confident in my ability and will do the best I can."

Caterham Racing Team Manager Phill Spencer "Today was a mixed bag. Giedo did a fantastic job to finish in P2, he is really happy with the car and the result speaks for itself. Rodolfo on the other hand just could not get into a groove and unfortunately starts 25th and has his work cut out to put himself in the points. He is very disappointed of course, but we will do all we can to give both our drivers a good car, and the support they need for the feature race tomorrow."
 
Caterham Racing Chief Engineer Humphrey Corbett "I am very pleased to have qualified so well in Monza today. Everything went to plan. Giedo did a great job and although it is a shame to miss out on pole it was incredibly close. Unfortunately Rodolfo seemed a little lost, I am not sure what went wrong for him as both cars were set up the same. Rodolfo needs to take some time to look through all the data and at himself and come back fresh tomorrow. He will have a tough job from the back of the grid tomorrow but perhaps he can turn it around for the Sunday race. As for Giedo we have high hopes of a podium finish."