Clear skies and a new qualifying format mean that we have a split grid, with even-numbered drivers in group B and odd-numbered drivers in group A. With ten minutes allotted to each group, this arrangement aims to reduce traffic and speeding infractions. 

Group A: Setting the Benchmark

Nikita Johnson got the session off to a solo start, with the best lap coming in at 1:49.058. The majority of drivers, apparently using the same qualifying strategy, stayed in the pit lane until about five minutes in, at which point all cars were on the track and hoping for one or two laps to qualify. 

With two minutes remaining, cars were attempting to tow each other, meaning that only one lap was left to qualify.

With 1:38.911, Tim Tramnitz took the lead briefly as Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak grabbed it, only for Rafael Câmara to take it as the clock ran out. At 1:38.670, Alessandro Giusti was in P4 after completing a flying lap.

Câmara had a lap time of 1:38.520, but his provisional pole didn’t last long. His track got deleted due to a track limits violation, sending him to the back of the grid. Uguchukwu’s lap time of 1:38.613 put him on the provisional pole.

We’ll see if group B learns from this risky tactic, as most drivers require a second lap to truly execute a flying lap or, in Câmara’s case, correct that track limits error.

Group B: Even Driver Numbers

A change is immediately apparent as all of the drivers exit the pit lane to begin their qualifying. For them to navigate traffic and make use of the entire ten minutes of qualifying, it appears that the danger of only setting one lap is enough motivation.

Given his contract for the upcoming season, Fernando Barrichello will undoubtedly be watched as he participates in his first qualifying session in Formula 3 for the first time.

Gerrard Xie led the field with a lap time of 1:52.028, as traffic began gathering with all drivers looking for a tow. With no one moving to overtake him, Nikola Tsolov is at the head of the slipstream train. 

Despite going early, Martinius Stenshorne’s lap time is erased due to track limits. Additionally, Tsolov’s lap time was removed as well. Tukka Taponen takes the pole position with a time of 1:38.502, while Stromstead records a flying lap of 1:38.647.

A portion of Mari Boya’s sidepod was blowing in the wind when he was on a flying lap, which was dangerous and undoubtedly reduced his lap time. The FIA has noted the dangerous condition; the decision will come after the session.

At 1:30.120, Brad Benavides claims the lead. This season, it’s his second pole. For group B, Théophile Naël takes P2, while Tsolov takes P3.

Pole Position Locked In: Race Action Awaits

Brad Benavides returns to pole position in an intriguing qualifying session, highlighting the risks of wasting qualifying time in the hopes of a single flying lap. Planning for traffic, potential track limits, and, in Boya’s case, contact that results in damage qualifying is difficult, but in this instance, Benavides and others benefited immensely from the setup.

Come along again as we get ready for the final sprint and feature race of the 2025 Formula 3 season.