Yuudai Jinkawa of Japan was second in the qualifying session, more than a second slower than King, ahead of the two races to be held Saturday and Sunday. Briton Tom Gladdis was third.
American Conor Daly, winner of one of two MRF races held at BIC during the Formula One India Grand Prix, set the sixth fastest time. King had topped the other round. Reigning Formula 1 champion Luciano Bacheta will start the race in 10th position.
Besides Ghorpade, the other Indians in the fray qualified low down the grid. Parthiva Sureshwaren was 15th while the experienced Gaurav Gill 17th out of the 18-car grid.