2023 Round 6 post-Qualifying press conference

Thoughts from Vesti, Martins and Pourchaire

FIA Formula 2: Many congratulations to the top three qualifiers for the FIA Formula 2 Feature Race here in Monaco. In third place, Théo Pourchaire for ART Grand Prix. In second place, also for ART, Victor Martins, and taking his second pole position in Formula 2 our polesitter, Frederik Vesti for PREMA Racing. Fred, it was a mad session, a red flag at the end but you did it on your final push lap. Talk us through that lap.

Frederik Vesti: Extremely happy, the lap was obviously good. I was trying to push as hard as I could while still managing the pressure and not making mistakes because around Monaco you cannot go all out for every single corner. You need to put the lap together and have a clean qualifying to be fast. Obviously, it requires also a lot of pushing and risk-taking but we managed to get the pole and it means everything to me.

FIA Formula 2: This is renowned to be a drivers' track, what does it mean to be on pole at Monaco of all places?

Vesti: Well if you ask me before the season if I wanted one pole, I would definitely choose Monaco. I am really happy to take this one and it shows the improvement I'm making and the direction it's going. Very happy to make this step and we'll keep pushing.

FIA Formula 2: Fred, very well done. Victor coming to you now, the quickest in the first group. Talk us through your session.

Victor Martins: Overall it was quite a difficult session we had two Red Flags, one after the first push lap and one at the end, where a few people could push until Sector 2 but I had to abort from Sector 1. So I only got two laps but they were quite good, I was pushing quite hard because it's quite difficult also when you do FP yesterday then you go into Qualifying having done only three or four push laps. You need to be on it in Monaco with all the walls, so it feels good to be back in P2.

FIA Formula 2: Did you enjoy Monaco in a Formula 2 car for the first time?

Martins: It's my favourite track, coming into Monaco with an F2 car is something I was dreaming about when I was younger so it feels nice to have done a good Qualifying.

FIA Formula 2: Well done Victor. Theo coming to you now, you were heading the session there was that Red Flag at the end. Did that prevent you from maybe putting that pole lap together?

Théo Pourchaire: We will never know. I was really fast, but Fred was as well. I think it's a good recovery from yesterday as I did Free Practice with an issue with the car which is not good in Monaco where you need to do as many laps as possible with a good car. Unfortunately, it happens. I'm happy to be in the top three for sure, but there was much, much more to do today. Anyway, my teammate is P2 and I am P3 we can be proud of this and there is a race to do on Sunday. A bit disappointed, but that's life. FIA Formula 2: Many thanks for that!