Alex Powell eyeing up Sprint Race possibilities after impressive Madrid Qualifying

Alex Powell put in one of the stand-out performances in Madrid Qualifying, finishing P10 in the first session to secure a second row start for the Sprint Race.

In what was just his second FIA Formula 3 Qualifying session, the PREMA Racing driver was on the pace from the outset, fighting for the top places.

Reflecting on the day, Powell said that he was very pleased with his and the team's performance, and that he felt a good result was a possibility from the opening laps of the weekend.

"A couple weeks ago I didn't even know I would be here," Powell said. "So very last minute, happy with the whole session to be honest. It was really strong for the whole team.

READ MORE

• QUALIFYING: Kato takes pole in Q1 with Taponen on top in Q2; Ugochukwu seizes advantage in title fight

"We struggled a little bit this morning in Practice so I was a bit skeptical going into quali but the car was working really well, and I was happy with my driving.

"I think of course in retrospect I could have done a few things better but if I would have known I would have been a top 10 a couple weeks ago, I would have definitely taken it and signed the paper. So it's a good step for me, a good step forward but of course the aim is going to be to keep building from here."

After in-season testing last month, Practice offered the drivers one final look at the Madring circuit ahead of the Qualifying sessions.

With two grid-setting sessions this weekend, any mistake would have had a major impact, and Powell was pleased to have kept himself out of trouble whilst showing impressive pace.

"It was very difficult in Practice to build things up. I felt really good though from the first push which was very nice, especially at a street circuit, you kind of have to have the rhythm from very early on.

"So I was really, really happy that I could feel a good rhythm from the very first push and then it was just about sustaining and building on that but we were pretty strong the whole time."

Though the PREMA driver was happy with his final Qualifying positions, he is targeting better things in the Sprint Race.

With a second row start and overtaking opportunities expected to be at a premium around the Spanish venue, Powell hopes to convert his starting position into a memorable result in just his second weekend.

"Looking back on it, I could have found a little bit here and a little bit there, but I'm sure everyone could say the same thing. Of course, as the session goes on, the intensity rises and you start to take a little bit more risk.

"I just missed a few tenths here and there to finish a little bit higher up but still it was a clean session for me, with no major scary moments let's say.

"The goal will be to move forward. We're on the second row of the grid for the Sprint, but the goal is still to move forward. The tyre management is still new to me, but I think I'm in a good position to make it work, so eyes forward."