After a tough run of races, ART Grand Prix’s Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak returned to the top ten in F2 Qualifying at the 2026 Austrian GP, finishing the session in P6. Currently sitting 15th in the Drivers’ Standings with 13 points, Inthraphuvasak looks to build on a confidence-boosting performance as he targets a maiden podium finish this weekend.
Reflecting on his session, the 20 year-old was pleased to return to the top ten and credited the team for giving him a strong car.
Inthraphuvasak said: “I’m happy with the result overall. I think the team did a great job, and they gave me a really good car for this session. As always, the Red Bull Ring is super tight.”
“Qualifying is very close, I think I was like less than half a tenth off from P3, so it’s super close. I’m happy to be back inside the top 10 again after a few tricky rounds of just not putting anything together. It’s been really tricky for me overall, but I’ve found my feet again and it feels really good to find the pace again.”
Inthraphuvasak: “I think I did quite a good job”
“For sure, there’s a bit more everywhere. But I think that’s the same for everybody.”, he admitted.
“I was missing a bit because on my lap I didn’t have a tow. So I think that would have definitely put us up higher in the rankings. But P6 is a great position to start in both races to collect some good points.”
As track conditions reached over 50 degrees during the session, he emphasised the importance of nailing the first push lap, which he was pleased to have achieved. Noting the higher degradation levels this year, he felt that he delivered a well-executed session.
“The temperatures were super high today. So there was a lot more deg compared to last year. I think everyone had their best times on the first push. So you had to nail the first push and I think I did quite a good job. I am happy with that one.”
Looking to fight for strong points in both races
After encouraging signs of strong race pace in Barcelona, Inthraphuvasak hopes that carries forward into both races this weekend. Starting in prime positions to score valuable points, the Thai driver knows that staying out of trouble and minimising mistakes could ultimately reward him with a top three finish.
“I’m starting P5 tomorrow. It’s a great position to fight for points in both races. So I need to minimise the mistakes, stay out of trouble, and hopefully finish up there in the top three positions.”
“We have good pace in the race, especially coming from last week in Barcelona. I think we had one of the strongest race pace. So I’m looking forward to bringing the momentum from last weekend to this weekend.”
However, while overtaking opportunities are possible around the Red Bull Ring, he noted that drivers will still be wary of tyre degradation.
He said: “This track is a great track for overtaking opportunities. I think if we have good speed and we can definitely overtake. But I think the biggest thing will be degradation.”
“There’s a lot of deg, especially in the rears at this track. But if you can manage the tyres as best as possible and try to keep your tyres as best as you can in the DRS train then towards the end of the race you can make a difference.”
