Qualifying for the opening FIA F3 European Championship race of the weekend in Budapest turned into disappointment for Joel and Team Motopark, as the squad’s quartet of cars languished at the bottom of the order with wrong tyre pressures in a rain-hit session.
Having topped the times in preceding free practice (in the dry), Joel went into qualifying aiming to fight for pole position, but an intense rain shower soaked the track between the sessions and created a brand new set of conditions for everyone.
Unfortunately, it would prove not to be to Team Motopark’s advantage, as the squad’s four cars suffered from wrong tyre pressures and helplessly slotted in at the tail end of the pack several seconds off the pace.
The issue leaves Joel down in 17th on the grid for tomorrow’s Race 1, which will see Maximilian Günther start in pole position.
Next session: Race 1, 10.40 local time (GMT+02:00) tomorrow.
Comment, Joel:
“Very disappointing, but what can you do? We simply went completely wrong on the (tyre) pressures, and that’s it. It’s a new day tomorrow, and I’m sure we will be able to fight back strongly then. It can hardly get worse, so I’m optimistic!”
RESULTS – Qualifying 1
