Norris topped the timesheets with a lap of 1:11.163, edging out Mercedes driver George Russell, who qualified second in 1:11.265. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli completed the top three with a time of 1:11.296.

The session was decided in the closing moments as drivers battled worsening weather and the threat of rain around the coastal circuit.

Despite appearing the fastest driver for much of qualifying, McLaren driver Oscar Piastri had to settle for fourth place, just 0.142 seconds behind Norris.

Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton qualified fifth ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc in sixth.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen could manage only seventh place at a circuit where Verstappen has traditionally enjoyed strong support and success, while teammate Liam Lawson qualified eighth and finished close behind Verstappen.

Sauber driver Gabriel Bortoleto and Red Bull junior Arvid Lindblad completed the top 10.

Just missing out on a place in Q3 was Alpine driver Pierre Gasly, who qualified 11th after falling short by less than a tenth of a second.

Racing Bulls driver Yuki Tsunoda took 12th on a return to the grid, ahead of Audi driver Nico Hulkenberg, Alpine driver Franco Colapinto, Haas driver Esteban Ocon and Williams driver Alex Albon.

It was another disappointing session for Williams driver Carlos Sainz, who was eliminated in Q1 and will start 17th after missing progression by only 0.022 seconds.

Aston Martin drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll also failed to advance, qualifying 18th and 19th respectively.

Haas driver Ollie Bearman endured a difficult session and qualified 20th, ahead only of Cadillac drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, who will start from the back of the grid.

Norris will now start Sunday’s race as favourite to convert pole position into victory, but Russell, Antonelli and Piastri remain within striking distance after one of the closest qualifying sessions of the season.

–F1/ChannelAfrica–