Dino Beganovic delivered when it mattered most at Silverstone. Beganovic’s F2 British GP qualifying session secured him a crucial 8th place. The Swede has been struggling since his pole position earlier this year at Imola. As a result, this performance comes as a relief after a difficult three rounds.
Saturday’s Sprint Race presents Beganovic’s best opportunity for a breakthrough result. He starts third for the shorter race format, offering him a clear path to the podium.
Breaking the qualifying slump
Beganovic’s British GP qualifying result marks a crucial turnaround. For the past three races he had qualified outside the top 10. Monte Carlo saw him qualify P18, Barcelona P12, and Spielberg P21.
Beganovic was delighted to return to competitive qualifying form. The top 10 result provides much needed momentum for the weekend ahead. His grid positions give him different strategic options for both races.
Challenging conditions at Silverstone
The F2 British GP qualifying session presented unique challenges for all the drivers. Wind conditions tested both driver and car ability at the iconic Silverstone circuit. “It was a session that was not easy,” reflected Beganovic. “With the wind here in Silverstone, it can affect you.”
The unpredictable wind changed “the balance of the car corner by corner.” This made for particularly difficult decisions when it came to setup for the Hitech team. Rather than making large scale changes, Beganovic and his team chose consistency.
“It was tough to take the right decision on what changes to make for the second run, but we kept the car the same, and I tried to adapt as well as possible with the driving,” he explained.
Much-needed momentum boost
Beganovic’s qualifying performance means more than just good grid positions for both races. It represents a breakthrough after three frustrating qualifying sessions prior.
“It’s a well needed result to have a good weekend ahead. To start P3 tomorrow is well needed and also starting in the top 10 on Sunday, is also something we needed, because it’s been some weeks now that we’ve had a tough period. Outside the top 10 is somewhere I don’t want to be again this season,” Beganovic admitted.
The three consecutive poor qualifying results had been particularly frustrating. Beganovic’s Imola pole position seemed like a distant memory after recent struggles.
Team progress and setup work
While celebrating his British GP qualifying success, the driver remains realistic. Work still lies ahead for the Hitech team. “I think we looked good in FP,” Beganovic stated. “A bit less in quali, but we were up there on both runs in quali as well.“
Beganovic noted that “some small stuff within the team” continue to try to make him “more comfortable with everything.” However, Beganovic also realizes that the team still has “work left to do, to be where [they] want to be“.
The Hitech driver emphasizes this result shows progress in the right direction. “It’s a good step in the right direction. Last week was very tough for both cars and in Barcelona, we were outside the top 10. It’s a needed result and it seems like the changes have been the right thing,” he said.
Weather and race strategy
Looking ahead to race day, Beganovic wasn’t concerned about mixed weather forecasts. In fact, he is open to welcoming the rain at Silverstone. The circuit’s nature makes it a “nice track” to drive in wet conditions.
Unpredictable British weather could play into his hands during both races. Rain might shuffle the field and create opportunities for strong results. Beganovic’s British GP qualifying position gives him flexibility for different strategies.
His third-place Sprint start becomes even more valuable in changeable conditions. Wet weather could favor his driving style and Hitech’s setup choices.
Sprint race podium ambitions
When asked about getting a podium in the Sprint Race Beganovic said “It would be very nice.
The track holds special appeal for the Hitech driver. “I love this track, but I have never had a good result here,” he admitted. Strong qualifying position and favorable track characteristics fuel his podium dreams.
Weather uncertainty adds another variable to weekend calculations. “Let’s see what the weather brings tomorrow. It seems less clear than today at least.” However, Beganovic continues to remain positive about his breakthrough stating “I am just happy to have made a step now in Qualifying.”
A first Silverstone podium would mean everything to the Swedish driver. “It would mean the world to be on the podium,” he concluded.
Second half season hopes
Beganovic’s F2 British GP qualifying result could mark a turning point for both driver and team. The Hitech squad currently sits third in the team standings. Beganovic himself occupies 10th place in the F2 drivers’ championship.
This weekend’s performance offers hope for a stronger second half of the season. Starting third tomorrow gives Dino Beganovic a realistic chance for his first Silverstone breakthrough. For a driver who loves this track but has never found success here, this could be his moment.
