It will be Dan Ticktum on pole for the opening FIA European Formula 3 Championship race at the Hungaroring. The Motopark driver was the only driver using a Volkswagen engine in the top seven as Prema Theodore Racing got all five cars in the top seven.
Ticktum had taken a gamble throughout qualifying, using two out of the three tyres, the MABA Winner had been allowed for the weekend. He stuck by his decision though, claiming that it was important to get a reference on one set of tyres for the following run.
Joining him on this strategy was Alex Palou who had been on course for a surprise pole until late in the session. Championship challenger Guan Yu Zhou had set the pace in free practice, but on a single set of tyres was powerless to stop Ticktum and Palou, who completed the front row.
The Chinese driver will know he has a set saved for the race though and could be a threat early on after pipping Mick Schumacher in the closing moments. Completed the Prema dominated set would be Marcus Armstrong, Robert Shwartzman and Ralf Aron, all of which would be under half a second of the polesitter.
Completing the top eight was Jonathan Aberdein as the Carlin’s struggled in the cooler overcast conditions. Championship leader Sacha Fenestraz could only manage thirteenth despite finishing within a second of Ticktum.
