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R08 Hungaroring - FIA Formula 3 Qualifying Report

PREMA has tough qualifying session in Hungary

R08 Hungaroring - FIA Formula 3 Qualifying Report

Despite showing good potential in qualifying for the FIA Formula 3 Championship at the Hungaroring, PREMA Racing had a tough session at the twisty racetrack, with Dino Beganovic ending up as the team's frontrunner with P14. 

High traffic situations prevented the three PREMA Racing drivers from making the most out of the set-up modifications carried out between the first two runs, while a red flag thrown in the middle of their last attempt eventually thwarted their efforts forcing them with low starting positions.

Beganovic secured a seventh-row spot, followed by teammate Gabriele Minì. While they both have small chances for recovery, it was Arvid Lindblad who faced the toughest outcome, having to settle for P22, jeopardizing his challenge for the races.

The team now refocuses on the race, with the goal of maximizing the rest of the weekend.

#1 DINO BEGANOVIC

"Qualifying was really disappointing. The pace looked pretty strong, and after the first set, we were in a good position. P4. We made some changes on the car so we had some margin. Unfortunately, I got completely blocked in the last corner with the second set while preparing my lap, and I couldn't make it. For the third set, the car felt excellent, I had a great sector 1, but then the red flag came. We were very fast, it's a shame not to be rewarded again in qualifying. Now we need to focus on the races to score the maximum points."

#2 GABRIELE MINÌ

"Once again, not what we wanted. It was a very tricky session and we were just not quick in the first run. We made setup changes for the second run, but people just decided to try and overtake into T1, so not ideal. We did a second lap on those tyres, which ended up being the best one, while everybody was cooling down, with a lot of traffic and tyres not in the window. In the last run, coming very quickly into sector 2, we got a red flag. It's a big shame to be honest, because in that last lap, everything was working quite well. I think we could have fought for the top 5, if not for pole."

#3 ARVID LINDBLAD

"I don't really know what to say, to be honest. Everything that could have gone wrong went wrong today. I think it's just one of those sessions, there weren't even that many sort of fundamental mistakes from my or the team's side. I don't like to use the word unlucky, but it feels a bit like that today. I don't know what either of us could have done. We are now in a really difficult position in both races, out of the top 20 on a track where it's tough to overtake. We'll try to rescue any points we can. It won't be easy. If there's any opportunity, we will take it. We are looking forward to the races to have some fun with some overtakes."