We present and discuss polarimetric observations performed with the VLT–UT3 ( Melipal ) on the afterglow of GRB 011211 , \sim 35 hours after the burst onset .
The observations yielded a 3- \sigma upper limit of P < 2.7 \% .
We discuss this result in combination with the lightcurve evolution , that may show a break approximately at the time of our observation .
We show that our upper limit is consistent with the currently favored beamed fireball geometry , especially if the line of sight was not too close to the edge of the cone .