Formula Two’s 30-minute qualifying session got underway at the Albert Park Grand Prix circuit and the entire field looked fit for pole. Two red flags and a last minute sprint to the line ensured that the battle for first position was thrilling.
Early leaders
As soon a qualifying began, it was clear to see that Martinius Stenshorne had pace. He set a benchmark time of 1:48.937. No other driver seemed to be able to set a time near that of Stenshonrne until Sebastian Montoya destroyed the time and set a 1:30.468.
Beganovic stormed to the top with a 1:29.953 as times up and down the field began to fall. Coincidentally several drivers, such as Mari Boya, received penalties for track limits meaning that they had were deleted.
The drivers continued to set new benchmark times. Stenshorne returned to the top with a 1:29.748 but Nikola Tsolov soon got the better of the Rodin Motorsport driver and set a time of 1:29.381.
Boya brings out the red flags
The yellow flag was shown initially before it was converted to a red flag for the stricken Mari Boya, who suffered a big crash at Turn 12.
When green flag running resumed, Gabriele Minì seemed to have an issue, opting not to emerge from the pits and instead having his engine cover removed.
Rodin’s Alex Dunne suffered from a track limit infringement, meaning that his time was deleted.
Another red flag
The yellow flag was flown for the stricken MP Motorsport car of Gabriele Minì, who appeared to have had further engine troubles- a far cry from his top-of-the-times Practice session. The yellow flag was soon converted to a red flag so that the Alpine-liveried car could be recovered.
With just three minuted left on the clock, the drivers emerged back onto the track for a last-minute dash.
Final times set
As the drivers re-emerged onto the track, it was clear that the race for pole would be intense.
Alex Dunne set the new benchmark time of 1:29.039, which was quickly beaten by his Rodin teammate, Stenshorne with a 1:28.911.
Dino Beganovic soon emerged as the strongest qualifier of the field, setting a 1:28.695 and storming to pole position.
The drivers’ attention will now turn to the Sprint Race, which will happen on Saturday 7th March at 14:10 local time. The reversal of the top 10 ensures that the race will deliver thrilling battles and incredible action.