After a single practice session, the Monaco Grand Prix F2 Qualifying session, split by car numbers, upheld Monaco tradition, delivering tension until the last lap. When it was all said and done, rookie Alex Dunne emerged fastest, just 0.003s ahead of Victor Martins, who had looked destined for pole until the final laps of Group B.
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Group A: Martins Emphasizes His Skill
Victor Martins opened Group A with intent. His early lap of 1:21.792 set the benchmark, but his final flyer of 1:21.145 secured him the top spot in the session. The Frenchman delivered under pressure, just as ART needed. MP Motorsport’s Richard Verschoor and Campos Racing’s Arvid Lindblad pushed hard late but settled for second and third in the group, respectively. Gabriele Minì also showed strong pace for PREMA, while Kush Maini rounded out the top five.
Group B: Dunne Goes All-In at Monaco
If Martins was good, Alex Dunne was sensational. The Irish rookie steadily dropped his lap times throughout Group B’s session. He then unleashed a stunning 1:21.142 on his final attempt to top the time sheets. His lap earned him Group B P1 and pole position for Sunday’s Feature Race – key track advantage on the streets of Monte Carlo.
There was drama early in the session, as Dunne and Rafael Villagómez tangled at the final corner early in the session. Villagómez was pushed into the wall, ending his run after just two laps. The incident was noted for investigation after the session.
Leonardo Fornaroli claimed P2 in the group with a 1:21.688, while Sebastian Montoya placed third for PREMA. There were no other significant stoppages in the session, but several local yellows may have prevented some drivers from setting times throughout the session.
F2 Qualifying Monaco Grand Prix Recap
With overtaking notoriously difficult around Monaco, grid position is more crucial than anywhere else on the calendar. For Dunne, it’s a dream scenario – a rookie leading the field at the most prestigious venue of the year. Martins will be frustrated to miss out by the slimmest of margins, but he still starts on the front row. Behind them, drivers like Verschoor, Fornaroli, Montoya, and Minì will be in the mix, all hunting a win through smart strategy or pit lane execution.
Let’s not forget that Dunne and Villagomez’s incident is still to be investigated. It should be noted that the altercation prevented Villagomez from setting a time in the session. How will Race Control and the Stewards rule on the clash?
The F2 Sprint Race will go green at 2:15 p.m. local time tomorrow.
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Feature Image Credit: McLaren Racing Media Centre
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