Nikita Bedrin strengthened his position at the top of the 2026 Jack Cavill Pole Position Cup standings during the GB3 Championship’s inaugural Red Bull Ring event.
The VRD Racing driver claimed his fifth pole of the campaign in the second Qualifying session, placing him three clear of nearest challenger Martin Molnar.
However, Molnar also strengthened his challenge by securing the opening pole for Rodin Motorsport. The Hungarian now holds two poles, while team-mate Abbi Pulling sits third with one.
Molnar repeats Hungaroring Qualifying success
Molnar opened Saturday morning’s Qualifying action by producing a 1:24.539 around the Austrian circuit.
The Rodin Motorsport driver edged team-mate Maxim Rehm by only 0.067 seconds to secure the Race 1 pole position.
The result continued Molnar’s recent Qualifying momentum after he also topped the first session at the Hungaroring. Consequently, he became the first driver other than Bedrin to claim multiple poles during the 2026 season.
Rehm narrowly missed the opportunity to add his name to the Jack Cavill Cup standings. Nevertheless, his front-row result completed a strong opening session for Rodin Motorsport.
Bedrin responds with fifth pole
Bedrin moved to the front during the second Qualifying session.
The championship leader lowered the benchmark to 1:24.345 and secured pole for Race 2. His lap proved 0.194s faster than Molnar’s earlier pole time, although the changing conditions and separate sessions prevented a direct comparison.
The result gave Bedrin his fifth pole from the opening rounds and further established him as the leading contender for the seasonal award.
Moreover, the VRD Racing driver moved three poles clear of Molnar with four rounds remaining.
Pole winners earn prize money
Molnar and Bedrin each received £300 for their Red Bull Ring pole positions.
Both drivers also collected a trophy presented by award founder John Cavill.
The Jack Cavill Pole Position Cup rewards drivers for one-lap performance throughout the GB3 season. At the end of the campaign, the driver with the most poles will receive £2,000, while their team will collect an additional £2,000.
Therefore, Bedrin’s advantage carries value beyond his championship campaign. His Qualifying performances have placed both himself and VRD Racing in a strong position to claim the season-ending prizes.
Molnar becomes Bedrin’s closest challenger
Bedrin leads the Cup standings with five poles, while Molnar now holds two.
The three-pole margin gives Bedrin a substantial advantage. However, several Qualifying sessions remain across the second half of the season, leaving Molnar with an opportunity to reduce the deficit.
Pulling occupies third after taking one pole for Rodin Motorsport. Her result also gives Rodin three poles across its driver line-up, two fewer than VRD Racing’s total through Bedrin.
Molnar’s Red Bull Ring success consequently strengthened Rodin’s prospects in the team element of the award.
Cup honours Jack Cavill’s support for young drivers
John Cavill established the award in recognition of his father, Jack Cavill.
From the 1960s onwards, Jack played an important role in helping underfunded drivers pursue opportunities in motorsport. John later continued that support and has partnered with GB3 since the championship launched as BRDC Formula 4 in 2013.
The Pole Position Cup therefore rewards performance while maintaining the Cavill family’s long-standing commitment to young drivers.
Its financial prizes can also provide valuable assistance within a category where competitors face significant costs throughout the season.
Award features distinguished former winners
Several drivers who later progressed to leading international championships have won the Jack Cavill Pole Position Cup.
George Russell claimed the award before advancing to Formula 1 and becoming a championship contender. Current Williams reserve driver Luke Browning and IndyCar podium finisher Linus Lundqvist also feature among the previous winners.
Meanwhile, Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris and Haas driver Ollie Bearman received prizes through the award during their junior careers.
Bedrin, Molnar and Pulling now have an opportunity to add their names to that list.
2026 Jack Cavill Pole Position Cup standings
- Nikita Bedrin, VRD Racing — 5 poles
- Martin Molnar, Rodin Motorsport — 2 poles
- Abbi Pulling, Rodin Motorsport — 1 pole
Bedrin retains a commanding advantage after claiming five of the eight poles awarded across the opening four rounds.
However, Molnar’s consecutive Race 1 poles at the Hungaroring and Red Bull Ring have established him as the championship leader’s principal challenger.
Silverstone offers next opportunity
The Pole Position Cup battle will continue when GB3 returns to Silverstone.
Two further Qualifying sessions will determine the grids for the opening two races, giving Bedrin an opportunity to extend his advantage and Molnar another chance to close the gap.
Bedrin remains the clear favourite after converting his pace into five poles. Nevertheless, Molnar’s recent form suggests that the contest could tighten during the second half of the campaign.
With £2,000 available to both the winning driver and team, every remaining Qualifying session will carry additional significance alongside the main GB3 title fight.
