Russia, 11th July 2014 - Jagonya Ayam with Carlin driver Tom Blomqvist has ensured that he will line up on the second row of the grid ahead of the inaugural Moscow, Russia, round of the FIA Formula Three European Championship. With the circuit welcoming the championship for the first time Blomqvist, along with team mates Sean Gelael and Antonio Giovinazzi, took his Formula Three car around the Raceway for its debut this morning. After a hard fought qualifying session Blomqvist set the third fastest lap with Giovinazzi 15th and Gelael 18th ahead of the first race in Russia.
The three Jagonya Ayam with Carlin drivers had their first opportunity to take their Volkswagen powered Dallara cars out on track this morning as they participated in free practice. Tom Blomqvist got off to a flying start during the session with the British racer topping the combined time sheets. Team mate Giovinazzi finished 15th while Gelael was unlucky to suffer a technical issue which prevented him from completing a new tyre run – the young Indonesian ended the session in 18th overall.
As the drivers took to the track for qualifying later in the day it was once again another fast 20 minute session for the field to complete. As the lights went green the Jagonya Ayam with Carlin drivers left the pit lane in order to start their first flying laps with Blomqvist moving his car in to the top ten soon after.
Over the next few laps the times began to drop quickly with the order changing dramatically however as the chequered flag fell it was Blomqvist who put his tough weekend at the Norisring well and truly behind him to ensure he starts the first race of the weekend in third position overall. Giovinazzi and Gelael however hit traffic towards the end of the session around the Moscow raceway and as a result will start in 15th and 18th respectively. All drivers will have a second opportunity to qualify for the second and third races of the weekend tomorrow afternoon.
Blomqvist said of qualifying, ‘Having been the fastest this morning in practice it’s obviously a shame that I wasn’t further up in qualifying this afternoon. We know that the speed is there however I feel as though I could have been closer to [Esteban] Ocon but tomorrow we have another qualifying session to hopefully get right to the front of the grid. In terms of the race, we will of course aim to move up the grid however after being taken out of the races last time out it’s nice to have been the quickest this morning and then start tomorrow in the top three.
‘I know that Sean [Gelael] and Antonio [Giovinazzi] did struggle with some traffic however for me, it was ok. I found a clear bit of track and was able to get my lap in at the best point.’
The first race of the weekend will get underway tomorrow afternoon at 13.10 local time.
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