Austrian Grand Prix – F2 Qualifying: Victor Martins on pole ahead of Frederik Vesti and Théo Pourchaire

In the beginning of the session, the drivers try to position themselves as best as possible in order to avoid traffic and occupy the best position on the track.

The first timings reveal a tight battle between the leading drivers, but it’s the Frenchman Victor Martins who surprises and takes the provisional pole position by 0.151 seconds ahead of Fittipaldi. Behind, Vesti, Pourchaire and Doohan are neck and neck. Oliver Bearman is a bit further behind after this fast first lap: the British driver is 17th with a time cancelled for exceeding track limits.

Many times are cancelled for exceeding track limits and Doohan pays the price: he drops to 5th place halfway through the session.

Then, another setback for Isack Hadjar, forced to return at a very slow speed due to an engine problem with his Hitech car.

With 10 minutes left in this qualifying session, the drivers are going out again for their final laps.

Victor Martins achieves a very impressive lap, beating his own time. In provisional pole position once again, he is ahead of Frederick Vesti and Théo Pourchaire. Oliver Bearman disappoints by being 0.449 seconds behind the first place.

While Pourchaire complains about the dangerous driving of some, the drivers are trying to find their place on the track. Isack Hadjar sees his engine problem resolved at the very end of the session and comes back out with 3 minutes left.

Victor Martins grabs the pole position in the main race for a 0.139″ lead over Vesti. Théo Pourchaire finishes a strong 3rd just a few milliseconds behind his Danish rival.

Fittipaldi misses his last lap and finishes 7th.

Vesti and Pourchaire are ready to engage in battle on Sunday in the main race. Victor Martins will have his work cut out for him to keep both his opponents behind him.