Ayumu Iwasa pulled an outstanding lap out of the bag to be 3/10s faster than anyone else, in the final stint of the FIA Formula 2 Qualifying session in Budapest. 

Le Castellet’s Feature Race winner spoke with insideF2 and other selected media about his struggles in the session, and how his Pole position was unexpected.

“I was surprised about the gap behind me.

“I was quite nervous in the first run and then we made some changes. Everything got better and it was quite a good lap.”

Winning last year’s Race 1 at the Hungaroring in the Formula 3 Championship Iwasa was thrilled at another opportunity to take the top step at a circuit he loves.

“This is my most favourite track. I like a technical track like this.

“I was having bad tyre warm up, and I was trying to get tyre temperature. Tyre temperature was one problem but my driving was really far [off] so here in Hungary a lot of mistakes. 

“My driving was getting better and better, and I had a good confidence.”

Despite his standout performance in Bahrain, where he enjoyed a race of his own, overtaking almost all of the field; his two P2 places in Catalunya and Silverstone; and his race win last weekend in Le Castellet, the DAMS driver remains reserved about how confident he’s feeling.

“Yes, I’m getting better but the situation is not perfect for me and I need to improve it. I’m happy about this [Pole] but still need improvement.”

When asked what he needed to do to be even more impressive, Iwasa laughed, saying, ‘I think everything.’

“I got Pole position [today] and the victory last weekend, a lot of small implements [are needed]. Even though I won the race I still can find some improvements. Otherwise, everyone will improve all the time.” 

He concluded:

“I need to be faster, that is my key points all my racing life.”

Iwasa is the surprise dark horse of this season, and Formula 2 wouldn’t be Formula 2 without one. Like us here at insideF2, we hope you’re enjoying the man from Osaka as much as we are.

Image Credit: Formula Motorsport Limited