Sep 2

Sep 2 Theo Pourchaire on pole in chaotic Formula 2 Monza qualifying

Théo Pourchaire set a respectable opening lap to take pole for the FIA Formula 2 weekend in Monza as the qualifying session descended into farce.

Théo Pourchaire celebrates pole position in Monza. *(Formula Motorsport Limited)*

“It’s an amazing feeling to be back on pole,” said Pourchaire.

“Last time was in Bahrain and the first race of the year.”

“Since this morning I was confident in the car. We have a great car so big thanks to the team, the performance was great. In qualifying already on the first push I was in the top three and in the second one I had great slipstream and also I did a great lap.”

“So super happy to be back on pole, it’s a crazy feeling. I love this track too so it’s very special.”

It was clear from the start of the session that teams would be reliant on others to set a slipstream, with drivers hesitant to emerge from pit lane in the first ten minutes of qualifying.

It was Roman Stanek who set the first benchmark time, quickly bested by Victor Martins who led the session ahead of Ollie Bearman and Pourchaire.

Martins dropped down the order with his lap time deleted, while Pourchaire jumped his teammate in the order with another effort.

The session descended into chaos as with the field again waiting until the final minutes to leave pit lane for a final attempt.

It was for naught as nobody was able to set a competitive time, while a handful of drivers missed out on the chance to start their laps in the scramble for track position.

Pourchaire claimed pole ahead of teammate Bearman, with Stanek in third and Ralph Boschung tenth for reverse-grid pole in Saturday's sprint race.

The Frenchman holds the lead of the standings despite taking just one pole position and one victory prior to Monza, with a difficult weekend in Zandvoort ensuring the championship battle should go to the season finale in the United Arab Emirates.

“It’s great to be on pole now. I’m also happy to bounce back from Zandvoort,” said Pourchaire.

“It’s not finished yet”

Watch every race of the FIA Formula 2 season on Kayo Sports.

2023 FIA Formula 2 Championship - Round 13 Monza Qualifying