Frederik Vesti takes FIA Formula 3 pole in blazing Austria 2.0 session

Danish driver Frederik Vesti has taken pole position for the second round of the FIA Formula 3 season, ahead of David Beckmann and Logan Sargeant.

Frederik Vesti celebrates his first FIA Formula 3 pole position. (Image: Supplied/Formula Motorsport Limited)

Vesti had the second-fastest time early in the qualifying session, behind Round 1 pole sitter Sebastian Fernandez. The session came to an untimely halt after the first set of flying laps, with Fernandez beached in a gravel trap, bringing out the Red Flag.

When the session resumed, lap times quickly began to fall, with American Logan Sargeant the fastest on track. With most of the junior field on personal best sector times, the session was again suspended as eSports champion Igor Fraga stopped his car on the approach to Turn 1.

Vesti held the fastest time at the second stoppage, but was demoted to fourth for exceeding track limits.

Frederik Vesti qualified for his first FIA Formula 3 pole position. (Image: Supplied/Formula Motorsport Limited)

With just under five minutes remaining, the 30-strong field were eager to leave the pit lane, but Logan Sargeant was unable to get his Prema started, leaving him to watch the rest of the session on a nearby phone.

The remaining drivers established their blazing pace, with most front-runners able to get two attempts at a quick lap. Vesti’s time proved unbeatable, and he finally secured his first FIA Formula 3 pole with a time of 1:20.378.

Vesti said “we took pole position which I’m very very proud of at my second weekend in the FIA F3 championship.”

”We did a lot of work coming back from last weekend. We prepared well and I knew exactly what I wanted to achieve. Also, the team did a great job with the car and I felt confident all the way through. It’s a great start to the weekend. I’m really happy to be on pole as it’s very important in this championship for the races. Thank you to Prema for the great car!”

Aussie Oscar Piastri qualified on the second row in P4, with Alex Peroni in P7, and Kiwi Liam Lawson in P10.

Piastri said “qualifying was not bad but could have been better.”

“P4 is not too shabby even though having both my teammates in front of me is not ideal. I think tomorrow it's going to be very interesting with the rain which is on the forecast and we definitely want to fight.”

”We'll see how it goes tomorrow.”

Red Bull junior Jack Doohan qualified in P22, with Calan Williams in P26.