Spa-Francorchamps – Qualifying: The Benavides surprise, bitter disappointment for the French

Postponed until the end of the day due to persistent fog on Friday morning, the qualifications for the Formula 3 on the Spa-Francorchamps circuit (Belgium) were marked by surprises. The first of these concerns the identity of the poleman. Brad Benavides (AIX Racing), only 26th in the championship, was inspired to set his best time before the final run. Indeed, the F3 field hampered each other before starting the final attempt and no competitor improved his time under the checkered flag.

The 24-year-old American thus secured his first pole position in FIA Formula 3, having joined AIX Racing at Imola this season. The 2024 Euroformula Open champion finished ahead of overall leader Rafael Camara (Trident) and Callum Voisin (Rodin). Rafael Camara's No. 1 championship rival, Tim Tramnitz (MP Motorsport), could only manage 13th fastest time, while Nikola Tsolov (Campos Racing) will start 7th.

The French team was disappointed. Alessandro Giusti (MP Motorsport) set the 18th fastest time; Théophile Naël (VAR Motorsport) was relegated to 23rd place. The two French drivers will start from this position in both the Sprint Race and Sunday's Long Race.

The Sprint Race will begin on Saturday at 9:15 a.m. Due to the reverse grid rule for the top 12, rookie Freddie Slater (Hitech TGR), returning after a stint last spring in Bahrain, will start from pole position.

FIA Formula 3 2025

Spa-Francorchamps qualifying