Aussies Oscar Piastri and Jack Doohan lock-out pole positions on Sochi undercard
Oscar Piastri and Jack Doohan have claimed pole position for FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3 respectively at Sochi.
Jack Doohan celebrates his FIA Formula 3 pole position. (Formula Motorsport Limited)
Both drivers will start at the front for the feature race for each category on Sunday before the Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix.
The Formula 3 session ran first on Friday, as Doohan took an early lead.
Amid an interrupted session, the Red Bull junior built on his time with new tyres, at the top of the timesheet with a lap completed in 1:54.514.
The time could not be beaten in the dying moments of the session, with Doohan sealing the top spot.
Clement Novalak was next fastest, while championship leader Dennis Hauger qualified down in ninth.
The Formula 2 session was much more of a shoot-out, with times falling rapidly across the board.
Piastri put in multiple flying laps, hitting the top of the timing sheets before being unseated by rival Guanyu Zhou.
With just ten minutes remaining it was a mad-dash for clear air and fast times.
Piastri immediately set provisional pole once again, but was bested by Carlin's Jehan Daruvala as the clock ticked down.
With a last-gasp attempt, Piastri snatched back pole position with a time of 1:47.465, sealing his hattrick.
“Third pole in a row, very happy with this one as it was probably my best run of the year so far,” said Piastri.
“We struggled a bit in practice this morning, so it was nice to be back at the front again.”
“With the first set we were already there or thereabouts, and with the second one, the car felt really good.”
“I also felt I was driving very well.”
“Big thank you to the team again, we are starting the weekend off with the right foot.”
Daruvala was second-fastest, with Theo Pourchaire also moving up in the dying seconds to third.
Guanyu Zhou, just a handful of points behind championship leader Piastri, qualified fourth.
