In Bahrain, Pourchaire returns to pole position, Martins 2nd

This time we can say it: Cocorico! This first qualifying session of the year in Formula 2 had a real French accent. After dominating the free practice sessions, the duo Theo Pourchaire-Victor Martins did it again in qualifying by securing the front row.

It was especially Pourchaire who impressed. Aware that this is undoubtedly one of his last chances to access the F1, the Grassois, who is starting his 3rd campaign in the antechamber of F1, has everyone in agreement.

After a first run in 1'41"530, the Sauber Academy protégé left nothing to chance during his final attempt.

With a final time of 1'40"903, making him the only driver below the 1'41 mark, the Habs distanced themselves from the rest of the field, which they were ahead of by more than 7 tenths!

Far ahead, Théo thus offered himself his first pole position since May 2021 when he shone in the streets of Monaco to become the youngest pole sitter in the history of F2 at the time (18 years old).

Martins and ART Grand Prix at the party

A Frenchman hid another this Friday under the floodlights of the Sakhir route. Because Pourchaire was not the only one to shine. His teammate Victor Martins, who is discovering the Formula 2 environment, also stood out. Author of promising winter tests, the Ile-de-France resident has started this new adventure on the right foot.

Too short to stand up to his garage neighbor, the last FIA champion F3 to date still achieved a very good performance with the 2nd time. It also offers the front row to the ART Grand Prix, a first in the F2 era. The Dutchman Richard Verschoor (VAR) completed the Top 3, 9 tenths from the lead.

Bad day for the other Tricolores on the grid. Expected for his debut in F2, Isack Hadkar (Hitech GP) could not do better than 14th while Clément Novalak (Trident) ranked 22nd.

Pole position for the Sprint Race went to Ralph Boschung (Campos) due to the semi-inverted grid. The Swiss set the 10th fastest time.

The start of the Formula 2 short round will take place this Saturday March 4 at 14:15 p.m. French time.

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