F2 Thriller: Hauger Edges Out Duerksen for Pole in Spielberg Nail-Biter
Dennis Hauger showcased his driving prowess by securing pole position during a nail-biting qualifying session at Spielberg. The MP Motorsport driver delivered a breathtaking performance, outlasting AIX Racing’s Joshua Duerksen to claim the top spot on the grid at the iconic Red Bull Ring.
Hauger clocked an impressive lap time of 1:15.487, initially securing the provisional pole. In an exhilarating twist, Duerksen, clearly not one to step down without a fight, came within a whisker of the Norwegian’s timing, falling short by just 0.008 seconds to clinch second place.
The pole marks Hauger's second of the season. It’s a massive boost for Duerksen too, who will relish in his best qualifying outcome of the campaign so far. Both drivers will lead the charge ahead of Invicta Racing’s Gabriel Bortoleto, who locked down the third spot on the grid.
MP Motorsport Dominates
MP Motorsport displayed sheer dominance at the Red Bull Ring. Franco Colapinto, the Williams Academy driver, showcased a stellar performance by qualifying in fourth place. The Argentine driver’s impressive lap times brought him tantalizingly close to the pole, but ultimately, he had to settle behind Hauger, Duerksen, and Bortoleto.
Current Championship leader Paul Aron was another notable contender for the top spot. Unfortunately, Aron’s valiant effort to secure pole was cut short after he spun on his final lap. Despite the mishap, Aron still managed a respectable fifth-place finish, ensuring he remains well in the mix for the Feature Race.
Surprises and Setbacks
In an intriguing turn of events, Taylor Barnard of AIX Racing continued his team’s strong showing by securing the sixth spot. Meanwhile, Campos Racing’s Isack Hadjar, who initially seemed poised to take the provisional pole, faced an untimely issue that forced him to retire prematurely. Nevertheless, Hadjar still managed to cling to seventh place, starting just ahead of teammate Josep María Martí.
PREMA Racing's Oliver Bearman qualified in ninth position, while Invicta Racing’s Kush Maini, who rounded out the top ten, grabbed the coveted reverse grid pole for the Sprint Race. This marks Maini's second consecutive reverse grid pole, adding an extra layer of excitement to the impending Sprint Race.
The Road Ahead
With the Sprint Race set to kick off at 13:30 local time tomorrow, all eyes will be on how these talented drivers navigate the challenges of the Red Bull Ring. Hauger's pole position sets a renewed tone of rivalry as each driver seeks to outperform the other in a bid to clinch vital points for the championship.
For the detailed lap-by-lap breakdown of the FIA Formula 2 Qualifying session at Spielberg, be sure to visit the official site here.
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