Dennis Hauger has had a dream start to the weekend in Australia.
Published: 22.03.2024 08:22 | Updated: 22/03/2024 22:28
The Norwegian has been fastest in the “Down under” training sessions, and also showed it in qualifying.
He was three tenths faster than Antonelli who finished second.
– He crushes the rest of the field!, exclaimed Viaplay commentator Atle Gulbrandsen.
This is the first time Hauger has won a qualifying in Formula 2. He burst into full cheers on the team radio when first place was a fact.
– I am very happy with the day. We had good speed both in training and in qualifying. It was a hectic final round. Really had to work to get the temperature in the tires. I felt we maximized it and put together a good lap secured pole, says Hauger to VG.
– He delivers a super strong qualification. The first sector was perfectly fine, but the last two sectors were brilliant, right at the limit and this in the last seconds of the qualification, says manager Harald Huysman to VG.
He is down in Melbourne with Hauger.
– A lot of positive things to take with me, and I’m keeping a good rhythm going into the sprint on Saturday and the race on Sunday. Very happy and ready for the rest of the weekend, says Hauger.
Qualifying in Australia was marked by several red flags and stops. Already after three laps, the first red flag came when Victor Martins lost control of the car and drove out.
On the last decisive lap, a yellow flag came in sector two when Hauger drove for pole position. Fortunately for the Norwegian, it did not spoil what turned out to be a brilliant qualification.
Last season, the Norwegian struggled with the qualifications and often got a bad starting point before the races. It has turned around this year, and Hauger has shown good pace so far this year.
The MP Motorsport driver finished tenth in last year’s qualifying. He then won the sprint race and was close to a podium place in the main race before ending up in a collision a few laps before the finish line.
Pole position in Formula 2 means that you start the sprint race on Saturday from starting position ten, while he starts first in the main race on Sunday.
Dennis Hauger is a third-year driver in Formula 2 – and must perform this season if his dream of Formula 1 is to become a reality. After a disappointing start to the season in Bahrain, he impressed in Saudi Arabia. He won the sprint race and took third place after the finishing photo.
He is third in the standings ahead of the two races this weekend in Australia.
Would you like to read more about the drivers, teams, tracks and duels in the 2024 season? VG’s large Formula 1 magazine can be purchased in our online store (free shipping!)