The phrase "pole time" typically refers to the fastest lap time recorded during qualifying in motor racing. It determines the starting position of each driver on the grid for the race. Full definition
A similar wave of evolution occurs from the opposite pole some time before and passes away. (scientificamerican.com)
Hamilton's pole time of 1:31.678 is actually the quickest ever lap at the Shanghai track, although it's not the official lap record as it wasn't set in the race. (wtf1.com)
Hamilton's lap (which is 1.6 seconds quicker than his own pole time from 2015) is actually the fastest ever done at Monaco, beating Kimi Raikkonen's 1m 13.532, set in qualifying for the 2006 race. (wtf1.com)