Esteban Ocon revelled in an unexpected second-row lockout for the reborn Force India operation as it profited from tricky conditions during qualifying in Belgium.
Force India had displayed strong pace through the dry practice sessions and both Ocon and team-mate Sergio Perez made it through to Q3.
Rain fell prior to the final segment of qualifying, prompting drivers to take on Intermediates, and Ocon and Perez thrived during the final few minutes.
Ocon moved into third spot, with Perez fourth, relegating the trio of Kimi Raikkonen and the Red Bull drivers, who spent the closing stages in the pit lane.
The result comes just 48 hours after Force India’s future was confirmed, with the Lawrence Stroll-led consortium participating as a new entrant, and relinquishing its Constructors’ points.
“Well what I knew is that definitely when it’s damp conditions like this, you have an opportunity and you have something to do,” said Ocon.
“It’s always closer between the cars when the conditions are like that.
“Today we maximised the potential of our car. Last time it rained (Monza 2017) I was also starting third, so it's the second time it rains and I'm starting third, so it's a fantastic result.
“It’s great to perform like this after a difficult time for Force India. That’s totally behind now. We are focusing on this weekend. The car has been strong even in the dry this weekend. Hopefully we'll get a great result tomorrow.”
Ocon’s future remains in doubt amid suggestions that Lance Stroll could be drafted in to replace him, with Perez expected to stay on for the rest of the year and 2019.
“Well you know for sure, my future is not done at the moment,” said Ocon.
“I don’t know where I will race next year or what I will do.
“As I said, the only thing I can do is to do well on-track, to focus, do the same job as before, try to do the best, and if you do a strong job in Formula 1, the teams, they can't skip you. They have to have you. That's what I'm trying to do.”
