“I just have to overtake one guy.” On the face of it, Roman Stanek makes winning Race 2 sound like a relatively simple task, but the Hitech Grand Prix driver is well aware that it will be a lot more challenging than that given the notoriously difficult nature of overtaking at the Hungaroring.

Stanek made up three places in Race 1, recovering from a P15 start to finish in 11th place. Earning himself a front row start for Race 2, only Enzo Fittipaldi stands in the way of the Czech driver taking a maiden win.

And while getting past the Charouz Racing System racer won’t be an easy task, Stanek believes his machinery is up to the challenge.

“We have the pace for the top step, but we have to keep calm,” said Stanek. “We will do the best we can. We just have to overtake one guy. That will be quite difficult on this track, but I think that we can do it and we can be on the top step. I cannot wait to start.

Stanek made up three places in Race 1 recovering from a P15 start to finish in 11th
Stanek made up three places in Race 1, recovering from a P15 start to finish in 11th

“I didn’t expect that we would make up three positions on this track because there isn’t usually that much action. I am happy to be up there and to be starting P2 for the next race. I think that with the pace we have, it can be a good race.

“Compared to other rounds, the race pace was good (here). It is quite hard to follow on this track. I was stuck in a train, but I was able to manage the gap between those in front and behind of me quite well. The car is good and it’s ready to be on the top step.”

With track temperature down from 64 degrees in Qualifying to a more manageable 33 in Race 1, it made for completely different conditions to anything the drivers experienced on Friday.

And although it meant that the field were heading into the unknown, Stanek feels that it made things easier on the whole.

Stanek will start P2 on Race 2s reverse grid
Stanek will start P2 on Race 2's reverse grid

“Yesterday it was really hot, so the tyres were very peaky and that made it quite hard to manage them, even on just one lap,” said Stanek. “It’s a bit colder today and the track temp is not that high, which makes it easier to manage the tyres.

“You still have to work hard if you want to push for the whole race, but the temperature affects how much the tyres overheat, so overall it made it easier.”