Australian Grand Prix Qualifications: Iwasa takes pole in the rain, after Martins’ big accident

The first qualifying session in the history of Formula 2 took place on a wet track with significantly reduced visibility.

The half-hour session was quickly interrupted by a red flag, following numerous track exits, starting with Oliver Bearman (Prema). The British driver hydroplaned in the fast section of the second sector, hitting the wall, although he was able to continue. Jack Crawford (DAMS) also left a front wing at the beginning of turn 11, and Arthur Leclerc performed a spectacular maneuver at turn 12. These incidents forced the race officials to show the first red flag, without any driver being able to set a lap time.

The rain stops, the chronos are linked

After a 15-minute interruption, the session resumes after the rain has stopped. The first to complete a fast lap is Alpine reserve driver Jack Doohan (Virtuosi), in 1.52.238, but quickly beaten by Frederik Vesti (Prema) by almost two seconds.

The French driver, Isack Hadjar (Trident), seizes the opportunity of his difficult conditions to make up for the lack of pace of his car, and manages to quickly integrate himself into the top positions of the rankings. Victor Martins (Art GP) also appears to be in the mix, at the expense of his teammate Théo Pourchaire (Art GP), who is struggling and is currently towards the bottom of the rankings.

Iwasa emerges, Martins screws up

There are ten minutes remaining in this qualifying session, and currently the ranking is composed of Martins in front of Hadjar; Iwasa, Maini, Crawford follow, while Hauger, Vesti, Doohan, Fittipaldi & Verschoor complete the top ten.

The entire F2 field goes back to the pit lane to change to a new set of wet tires. The track is improving and lap times continue to drop. Some mistakes are made here and there, notably by championship leader Ralph Boschung (Campos) who goes off in the penultimate corner, as well as Clément Novalak (Trident), without consequences.

There are only two or three attempts left for the drivers. Zane Maloney (Carlin) moves up from P12 to third place, just ahead of Ayumu Iwasa (Dams); but not for long… The Japanese also completes his lap and takes the top spot in the standings, setting a time of 1.45.118, six tenths better than… Pourchaire! The Frenchman rises from the depths and takes second place by four thousandths ahead of Martins, who did not improve, causing the second red flag after a high-intensity accident in turn 5. The Frenchman is fine, however, the session will not resume.

Third-fastest @VictorMartinsFR got his lap time in just before this high-speed shunt ended qualifying 🚩#AusGP #F2 pic.twitter.com/5moTBWSenn

— Formula 2 (@Formula2) March 31, 2023

The qualifications ranking is therefore composed of: Ayumu Iwasa, who secures the pole position ahead of the two Art Grand Prix drivers. Isack Hadjar secures a very impressive fourth place, followed by Zane Maloney and Oliver Bearman. Monaco’s Arthur Leclerc finishes in seventh place, while Dennis Hauger, who achieved the tenth fastest time, will start from the first position tomorrow for the sprint race.