SMP Racing driver Robert Shwartzman was fastest in the qualifying session before the first round of the new Formula 3 season, which takes place on May 10-12 in Spain.
After the start of the qualifying session, an accident on the track caused the red flag and interrupted the session. By that time, none of the drivers had time to drive a qualifying lap. After the restart, Shwartzman led the standings, being 0.3 seconds ahead from Jehan Daruvala, the closest rival and his Prema Racing team-mate. In all three qualifying runs, Shwartzman was faster than the other drivers and took the pole position, showing a result of 1: 31.975.
"We started off quite well even though we caught a red flag after the first warm lap," SMP Racing driver Robert Shwartzman commented. "I was a bit confused about the strategy we were going to use, but I was just focused on giving my 100 per cent in that one lap which then happened. I had three runs, I did my maximum in all of them and I'm absolutely happy for ending up on pole. The car was simply perfect and even compensated for my mistakes. Thanks to SMP Racing and the Prema Racing Team for the mega job, tomorrow is the most important day, so we will push even harder to fight for the win.
Race 1 of the first Formula 3 round will start on Saturday, May 11, at 11:15 Moscow time.
