THE SIDELINES : French Grand Prix Record Set

Nigel Mansell of Britain won the provisional pole position for the French Grand Prix today with the fastest time and a track record in the first qualifying session.

Mansell, in a Ferrari, raced around the 2.37-mile circuit in 1 minute, 4.402 seconds. He averaged 132.441 m.p.h.

Ayrton Senna of Brazil and Alain Prost of France were also under 1:05 as Mansell’s former qualifying mark was shattered. Senna, in a McLaren-Honda, did 1:04.549 with Prost’s Ferrari going 1:04.792.

Mansell did 1:06.454 in 1987 that held up as a qualifying best until this year when the track was resurfaced and made faster.

Another qualifying session is scheduled for Saturday. If Mansell’s pole position holds up, it will be the first time Ferrari has started first this season.