Lynn romps to GP3 pole at the Red Bull Ring

Carlin’s Alex Lynn claims second GP3 pole in Austria

GP3 Series leader Alex Lynn has continued his success from Round 1 by taking pole position in Spielberg. The Brit ended up on top of the pack by 0.023s ahead of Alex Fontana (ART Grand Prix) and Dean Stoneman (Marussia Manor Racing).

The thirty minute shoot-out for pole position was run in cool temperatures but dry conditions with Richie Stanaway (Status Grand Prix) leading the way. After ten minutes it was Lynn at the head of the timesheet with Stoneman lapping just 0.026s shy off his fellow countryman.

A few moments later Stoneman had an excursion into the gravel on his hot lap and was very lucky to avoid making contact with the barrier and was able continue with his session. At the midway point Lynn led Stoneman, Mathéo Tuscher, Marvin Kirchhöfer and Stanaway.

The drivers returned to the pits for a new set of Pirelli tyres for their next attempt to fight for the elusive pole position and the vital four points assigned to it. Kirchhöfer and Patrick Kujala (Marussia Manor Racing) both snuck up to P1, whilst Lynn on his best attempt to date was caught behind traffic and unable to improve.

Kujala bettered his own time and held provisional pole for a short time as the times tumbled in the dying moments. Fontana grabbed P1 but Lynn was on a mission and set the fastest time of the session with a 1:20.585. At the chequered flag Lynn held the coveted pole whilst Stoneman and Fontana both achieved their best ever grid positions in the category.

Emil Bernstorff, Kujala, Jimmy Eriksson, Kirchhöfer, Stanaway, Nick Yelloly and Luis Sa Silva completed the top ten. All three Carlin drivers qualified in the first ten with a personal best qualifying for the Angolan driver Sa Silva.

You don’t have long to wait for all the action – Race 1 will commence at 17.20 local time today – and after what qualifying delivered – it should provide a thrilling encounter.


Related Motorsport Articles

84,521 articles