Qualifying 2 will go underway tomorrow to finalize the FIA F3 World Cup Qualifying Race grid
SJM Theodore PREMA Racing took provisional pole for the 2024 FIA Formula 3 World Cup Qualifying Race as the 70th Macau Grand Prix got underway with Free Practice 1 and Qualifying 1 at the Guia Circuit.
Gabriele Minì put together a blistering final lap to secure P1 at the end of the afternoon session after three red flags forced all competitors to adapt their run plans. The Italian racer started leading the way in practice before confirming his potential in the afternoon session.
Dino Beganovic also showcased impressive speed. The Swede built up his pace throughout the day, ending up third in Qualifying 1 despite a DRS issue after a sixth place in the first Practice session.
Estonian Paul Aron faced a challenging day, finishing P12 in Qualifying after clipping the barriers of Turn 19 in practice. However, there will be more chances for him to be back fighting for pole tomorrow with the second Qualifying session, as he looks to rebuild confidence and the right feel with the car.
With positive vibes ahead of decision time, SJM Theodore PREMA Racing is looking forward to tomorrow's action. As today, cool temperatures are on the forecast to create an unexpected environmental variable.
#8 - Dino Beganovic
"It's good to finish the first qualifying session in P3. It's a good position to be in. Overall it was a bit of a messy session, but we pulled it out in the end even if my DRS didn't work in my lap. The rest felt really good. We have good insight we can look into for FP2 to make sure everything is put together in qualy, and that is what we are targeting for tomorrow"
#9 - Gabriele Mini
"It was a very positive day to start our Grand Prix weekend. It was not easy with the red flags and everything to put the laptime together when it mattered. But in the end the laptime was surprising also for myself as the tyres were obviously deteriorating, as I improved by almost one second. We will try to do it all again tomorrow."
#10 - Paul Aron
"Not the easiest of days, but tomorrow is a much more important day, and the goal today was just to get comfortable with the car and track again. I missed some running at the end of FP1 due to a small mistake, which put me a bit on the back foot for Q1, but we made good steps and have a good idea of what to do and improve for tomorrow."