Alexander Albon secured the fastest time in the FIA Formula 2 qualifying practice in Barcelona, at the FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO DE ESPAÑA EMIRATES 2018, the Spanish Grand Prix. The DAMS Thai driver clocked a 1m28:142s best lap and will start tomorrow’s race in front row, at 4.40pm.
Around mid session, American Santino Ferrucci (Trident) crashed into a wall after a spectacular spin in Campsa Turn 9. The qualifying was immediately red-flagged, with Alexander Albon already topping the standings on 1m28.500s.
With 17 minutes to go before the practice ended, most drivers preferred to extend their pit stop. Albon, however, made a risky call and jumped back on the track as soon as the race restarted. With no traffic on the tarmac, Albon cashed out on his move and set an unbeatable 1m28.142s lap. He then sat out the end of the session, relinquishing any attempt to improve his benchmark. Standing behind the barrier, he watched his rivals tussle for an unlikely clean lap. Only Nyck De Vries (PERTAMINA PREMA Theodore Racing), Luca Ghiotto (Campos Vexatec Racing) and George Russell (ART Grand Prix) managed to come close to Albon’s times. They will make up the two front rows in tomorrow’s starting grid, in that order.
Local driver Roberto Merhi (MP Motorsport) rounded out the top 10 of this unexpected standings, almost one second off the pace.
Albon earned 4 extra points with his pole. The DAMS driver is now on a privileged position to pick up a win in this weekend’s first FIA Formula 2 race, and thus emulate his outstanding performance in Baku.