pole position

pole position (countable and uncountable, plural pole positions)

1. (motor racing) The top qualifying position for a race, on the inside of the front row at the starting line.

   Smith once again enjoys the pole position.

2. (by extension) First place.
   • 2021 March 31, Phil McNulty, “England 2-1 Poland: What shape are Gareth Southgate's side in?”, in BBC Sport‎:

     The England manager and his players hardly deserve too much criticism after move into pole position in their group, but that comes with the caveat that there will be much sterner tests to come in the months ahead.

• bubble position
• polesitter

Unadapted borrowing from English pole position.

pole position f (invariable)

1. (motor racing, also figuratively) pole position (both senses)