Martins predicting tight battle for Pole in Jeddah after fast start to Friday

It was a positive start to the weekend for Victor Martins and ART Grand Prix. The Frenchman set the fastest time in Free Practice, 1:45.671, in what was a busy opening session to kick off the on-track action.

After stepping out of the car, Martins said that the team had achieved what they set out to do in the 45-minute outing, identifying a setup and homing in on the final details.

“It was a clean session, I think,” he explained. “We did quite a lot of laps which was the target. On a street track, it’s quite tough sometimes to get into a rhythm to get the laps to be prepared for Qualifying.

“I definitely think we’re in a good position. The car is good, I was quite happy. We also managed to get some more laps in at the end of the session after making some changes.

“I think we know what we need to do for quali. At least I do, I know where to improve, and on the team’s side we will have time to analyse and be even better.”

The lead of the session changed hands several times over all the way to the chequered flag. Martins was one of several drivers to hold the top spot, as the track got quicker and quicker with every lap.

While the likes of Martins, Roman Stanek, Jak Crawford and Joshua Duerksen fought over P1, several rookie and first-time visitors to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit were also quick.

Hitech TGR’s Dino Beganovic wound up third fastest, while Gabriele Minì and Sebastián Montoya were fifth and sixth for PREMA Racing, followed by reigning F3 Champion Leonardo Fornaroli in P7.

The Frenchman paid tribute to their efforts to get up to speed so quickly around such a challenging circuit and believes they will make it a tough Qualifying session later on.

READ MORE: PRACTICE: Martins leads the pack in Jeddah ahead of Qualifying

“I think the rookies were really good to get up to pace. I remember in 2023, having a really good feeling from lap one, so, I wasn’t surprised to see some guys like Gabriele Minì being up there.

“They’re quick and on the pace so it was nice to see. It’s pushing us to find some more pace and a better setup and for myself to improve my driving.”

Qualifying will take place later on Friday, with the green light scheduled for 18:00 local time. Part of the challenge the drivers will face is adapting to the change in conditions, both ambient and track-wise for the all-important half hour session.

Martins has good form in Jeddah, securing pole position as a rookie with a stellar display, taking P1 by 0.7s over next-best Oliver Bearman.

Last season, he wound up third on the grid after finishing the session fourth, promoted up one place after Bearman’s withdrawal to deputise for Scuderia Ferrari in the remainder of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend.

Ahead of Qualifying in 2025, Martins says he’s feeling good about his chances to come up with another positive result around a track that has suited him in the past.

“First, we have to adapt to the conditions. I have to work out what I can do with the softer compound and then on the car, it’s only a few details we need to work on to make sure we’re on it with warm-up and there to deliver when it matters, which is at the end of the session.

“The track is at its best, temperature is at its lowest and we need to find a good position, because here is tricky with traffic.

“Today has started well and I think it will be good tonight too.”