Securing P10 in Qualifying at the F2 Belgian GP gave Oliver Goethe a significant boost heading into the weekend’s action, with the MP Motorsport driver pleased with his performance. The German driver, competing in his first full F2 campaign, celebrated his second top 10 Qualifying result of the season – and his first since placing eighth back at Round 4 in Imola.
Reflecting on his performance, Goethe said: “Our race pace this year has been really strong. So I am looking forward to tomorrow and for Sunday, it’s not a bad position to start. I’m already inside the top 10, so if we can make up some positions and score some good points, it will be very nice.”
Track limits drama adds pressure
Despite the strong outcome, the session itself wasn’t without challenges. Goethe admitted he compromised his opening run on the first set of Soft tyres after exceeding track limits on both laps, which led to their deletion. This left him under pressure to deliver on his final run.
“The session itself was quite messy,” he explained. “On the first set of tyres, I got both my laps deleted for track limits, so I was really out of the picture if there was a Red Flag on the second set.”
Solo run pays off
Opting to go against the common approach of seeking a tow, Goethe chose to run alone on his final attempt. Spa’s high-speed layout made this a risk.
“Our goal was just to get a good lap in on the first lap. Everyone was messing about on the warm-up, trying to get a slipstream, so I played it safe, but risky at the same time, and decided to ignore that and go on my own,” he said. Ultimately, the decision paid off.
“Feels good to be back in the top 10. It’s a big confidence boost. In qualifying, we have struggled a lot this year, so to be back in the top 10, we have a lot of opportunities to get some results in the races now.”
“Of course, I lost a lot of time without having a tow, but in case there was a Red Flag I was in the best position. Thankfully, the pace was good enough to get in the top 10 alone.”
Holding his nerve until the end
As the session progressed, Goethe admitted it wasn’t easy watching others improve while he waited in the pit lane.
“It was a bit scary. Everyone was improving, I could see my name going down and down the leaderboard, but it was good enough for top 10. So, I’m really happy with the job I did, it’s a step in the right direction.”
Goethe’s F2 Qualifying result at the Belgian GP means he will line up on reverse grid pole for Saturday’s Sprint Race. This gives him a prime opportunity to fight at the front. Still, the Belgian circuit’s layout presents its own challenges.
“The race pace has always been very strong,” he said. “Already being inside the top 10, you gain a lot of positions with the reverse grid and top 10 in the Feature Race.”
“It’s not the best track to start in P1, might even be better to start P2, but at least I am at the front. I will try and get a great start, do a great Turn 1, which is already quite difficult on the first lap already.”
“I would love to keep my position but if not, it’s a long race and being P2 there is definitely an opportunity to get the place back.”
With his eyes firmly set on delivering in both the F2 Sprint and Feature races in Spa-Francorchamps, Goethe remains upbeat.
“It’s a really long race and with the race pace we have it’s a positive place to start. It’s definitely nicer to start in these positions, it helps a lot.”
