FIA Formula 2 driver, Dennis Hauger, appeared relaxed and confident, when describing the Baku circuit as, ‘really cool’ in the post-Qualifying press conference. 

Following an enviable Sprint Race win in Monaco the last time out, that arguably every formula racing driver wants to win, Hauger seems to be able to make unique street circuits work for him, and his driving skills:

“It’s a really cool circuit. First time here. It’s really high speed, especially in some sections, which is quite nice. The fights around it tomorrow and Sunday are going to be very cool, and a lot of stuff happening.”

After what seemed like this could be a season full of misfortune and disappointment, Hauger has turned it around with his performance at Monte Carlo, and today. The Norwegian seems to be on course to remind us why he is the current Formula 3 Champion.

Hauger is clearly improving, as is the pace of the PREMA car:

“Definitely a step [forward] in Qualifying. It was the main goal this weekend. It’s been one of my weaknesses this season, so it’s good to be in the top three. It gives the weekend a lot more opportunities. Definitely something clicked from Monaco; I think the pace was pretty good there.

“We struggled a bit more, first time on this circuit as well. It was all building up throughout the day and I’m happy to get a P3.”

Preparation and strategy for such a busy qualifying session is also a factor to be considered here in Baku:

“It’s always a bit messy here, I tried to get everything in position at the beginning, and at the end we managed that quite well. I think we had a pretty decent tow as well, so it was good.”

The tow from the car in front is critical at this circuit, and some drivers maximised that opportunity more than others in today’s F2 Qualifying. It’ll most definitely come into play in both of the Formula 2 races this weekend.

Starting from P8 in tomorrow’s Sprint Race, Hauger’s main focus will be on Sunday’s Feature Race, where he’ll be looking for maximum points from the second row of the grid, and perhaps his second top step of the season:

“You never know, you’ve just got to go out and try to drive smart and be calm. It’s a long race and anything can happen in the end.”

Image Credit: Formula Motorsport Limited