MP Motorsport’s Oliver Goethe stormed to a superb late-session pole position in Lusail, denying championship leader Leonardo Fornaroli the top spot in a tightly contested Formula 2 qualifying session.

Fornaroli had looked on course to secure what would have been a crucial pole in his title fight, topping the times as the field entered the final minutes under the floodlights. The Italian appeared comfortable on his final run, improving sector after sector as grip levels came up across the circuit.

But Goethe had saved his best for last. Hooking up a clean and committed lap, the Trident driver crossed the line to snatch pole by a narrow margin, reshuffling the order just moments before the chequered flag fell. His late effort not only handed him his second pole of the season, but also ensured Trident will start Saturday’s Feature Race from the front in Qatar.

Fornaroli was forced to settle for second, though the result still puts him in a strong position for the championship battle heading into the final races of the weekend. With the tight midfield mix and the long-run demands of Lusail, tyre management is expected to play a decisive role in how the title fight unfolds.

The competitive nature of the session was highlighted by the slim gaps throughout the top 10, with several drivers briefly holding provisional pole before the late flurry of improvements. As ever in Lusail, timing the final push proved essential — and Goethe timed his run to perfection.

With the Sprint Race set to mix up the order and the Feature Race promising strategic variety, the stage is now set for an intense weekend under the lights in Qatar.

Photo by James Sutton – Formula 1/Formula Motorsport Limited via Getty