Our F2 squad have headed straight to Austria this week for the second instalment of this Barcelona-Spielberg-Silverstone triple-header. Round 7 of the 14-event FIA Formula 2 calendar will be held at the Red Bull Ring from 28-30 June.
This event marks the halfway point of the season and so the championship will take on a new intensity as each race becomes even more mission-critical for drivers and teams in contention for the two titles at stake.
Paul Aron heads to Austria leading the drivers’ standings, with 100 points and a nine-point margin over Hitech alumnus Isack Hadjar. A podium in the Barcelona Sprint, and pole and P4 in the Feature Race secured crucial points for his title ambitions, albeit he was frustrated not to convert his front-row start to the top step of the podium. A brilliant recovery drive after running off track to put himself back in strong points contention highlighted his exceptional form and the potential that lies ahead in the upcoming eight rounds.
Amaury Cordeel also enjoyed a positive weekend in Spain. He was classified eighth in the Feature Race last Sunday and will be looking to harness that momentum in the races ahead.
As for the team, we’re just one point shy of the top of the leaderboard and acutely aware that every point, as well as consistency counts.
Pirelli have allocated the Soft and Supersoft tyres for this event, which also provides some strategy options. In recent races at Spielberg, a Safety Car intervention and the timing of pitstops around these have proved decisive in the often-changing complexion of a race.
The Red Bull Ring can provide exciting race, the three DRS zones and mix of medium-to-high speed corners providing plenty of overtaking opportunities through the race. Turn 3 is one such opportunity as the biggest braking point. Aerodynamic balance will be crucial, in order to find the right compromise between downforce and efficiency, looking after the tyres while at the same time not being vulnerable in the DRS train.
Friday 28 June
10.05 Free Practice
14.55 Qualifying
Saturday 29 June
13.30 Sprint Race (28 laps)
Grid set by reversing Top 12 of Qualifying Results
Sunday 30 June
10.00 Feature Race (40 laps)
Grid set by Qualifying Results
All times local
