Blomqvist fastest in second qualifying, two poles for Verstappen

Tom Blomqvist (Jagonya Ayam with Carlin) set the fastest time in FIA Formula 3 European Championship qualifying at the 4.574 kilometres long Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg. The son of former world rally champion Stig Blomqvist ended up ahead of Max Verstappen (Van Amersfoort Racing), the son of ex-Formula 1 driver Jos Verstappen, who was classified second.

Esteban Ocon (Prema Powerteam) and Antonio Giovinazzi (Jagonya Ayam with Carlin) were classified third and fourth respectively. In the ranking of the second-fastest laps, the order of the first four drivers is identical: Blomqvist from Verstappen, Ocon and Giovinazzi. Due to an engine change and in accordance with the regulations, Blomqvist will be dropped ten positions on the grid for the next three races in which the Brit is taking part. As a result, the pole positions for tomorrow’s two races go to rookie driver Max Verstappen.

Starting grid race 2:

Tom Blomqvist (1:31.655 minutes) was the benchmark in qualifying; the Brit was 0.359 seconds faster than Max Verstappen (1:32.014 minutes). Blomqvist moved up to the top of the time sheets with eight minutes remaining already and once again significantly improved his own fastest time three minutes before the end. Verstappen was in second place with seven minutes remaining as well and Esteban Ocon (1:32.044 minutes) was third at that time. Antonio Giovinazzi (1:32.105 minutes), Edward Jones (Carlin, 1:32.164 minutes) and Antonio Fuoco (Prema Powerteam, 1:32.208 minutes) rounded out the first six positions.

Starting grid race 3:

In the ranking of the second-fastest laps, Blomqvist (1:31.958 minutes) was unbeatable, too. Verstappen (1:32.185 minutes) again ended up second and will be starting from pole position as Blomqvist will be dropped on the grid. Ocon (1:32.242 minutes) and Giovinazzi (1:32.251 minutes) secured third and fourth place, followed by Felix Rosenqvist (kfzteile24 Mücke Motorsport, 1:32.256 minutes) and the third-best rookie Antonio Fuoco (Prema Powerteam, 1:32.257 minutes).

Tom Blomqvist (Jagonya Ayam with Carlin): “That was the best qualifying I have ever driven in my career and I am very happy with it. I am almost lost for words. It wasn’t easy, because the team had to replace the engine before qualifying.”

FIA F3