Stenshorne thrilled with positive Qualifying result on F2 debut in Baku

Martinius Stenshorne hit the ground running and then some in Formula 2, achieving a P7 result in his first Qualifying session in the Championship.

Stepping up with TRIDENT for this weekend, the Norwegian driver was in the groove immediately around one of the tougher venues on the calendar, delivering a time good enough for the top 10 at the first time of asking.

It turned out to be an important lap, with his 1:55.638 putting him P8 at the chequered flag and seventh on the leaderboard following grid penalties elsewhere.

Speaking afterwards, Stenshorne said it had been a chaotic qualifying, but he was happy to have emerged not just unscathed, but in good form as well.

“It was a bit crazy, like the usual qualifying in F3. It wasn’t too far from what I’m used to. We got a good result and got a lap in early. I think we had the potential for a bit more, but then again, everybody did, so I think we can be happy with our result in the end.

“I’m happy to see that I could do it. I was quite alright on the sim, but you never know before you’re on the track doing the real thing. I’m really pleased with the performance today, so big thank you to TRIDENT for all their help.

“I did the usual sim work at the factory with TRIDENT in preparation, learning the procedures and then I did some sim at home. I think the work paid off!”

Stenshorne is feeling positive about his and TRIDENT’s chances heading into Saturday and Sunday, but he knows that there’s another new challenge heading his way in the longer F2 races.

While he was happy to be on the front foot in Qualifying, the McLaren Development Driver says that he doesn’t know what to expect in the Sprint and Feature Races, but that he is in a good position to try and secure points at the first time of asking.

Sunday will bring even more intrigue, as he tackles live pit stops for the first time in the Championship too, something he is looking forward to experiencing as well.

“Tomorrow’s another challenge. We haven’t done any long runs yet so it’s difficult to know what to expect. It would be good to get some points to finish inside the top eight, so that’s the goal. We’re starting in a good position, but I have high hopes for my first race in F2.

“Sunday will be interesting too, doing the pit stop for the first time. Another new experience but I’m really looking forward to it.”