Martin Molnar hopes to convert his second pole position in as many weekends into his maiden GB3 Championship victory at the Red Bull Ring.
The Rodin Motorsport driver led Qualifying 1 with a 1m24.539s, beating team-mate Maxim Rehm by only 0.067s. Championship leader Nikita Bedrin followed another 0.045s behind in third.
Molnar also secured second in Qualifying 2, giving him his strongest combined Qualifying performance of the season. The Hungarian will therefore start both of the weekend’s main races from the front row.
Molnar celebrates second successive pole
Molnar claimed the first pole position of his GB3 career at the Hungaroring one week earlier, delivering the breakthrough result in front of his home supporters.
Although he could not convert that starting position into victory, the performance marked a significant step forward in his rookie campaign. He then carried that momentum into Austria and again produced the fastest lap during Qualifying 1.
Molnar expressed his delight after following his emotional home pole with another leading performance at the Red Bull Ring.
“I’m really happy about it, it’s my second pole position,” he enthused to GB3. “I’m really happy that I could get my first one in Hungary, it really meant a lot in front of the home fans, so it was a great weekend. I really enjoyed every moment of it and I’m really happy to have followed that up with my second pole position here, back to back.”
The result also gave Rodin Motorsport complete control of the Race 1 front row. Rehm will start alongside Molnar, while Bedrin and Rowan Campbell-Pilling will occupy the second row.
Experience helps Molnar improve each weekend
Molnar stepped into GB3 after competing in Formula 4 during the 2025 season. Consequently, he continues to adapt to a faster car that produces more power and aerodynamic downforce.
However, the Hungarian has made clear progress as the season has developed. His performances at the Hungaroring and Red Bull Ring have now established him as a regular contender at the front.
Molnar believes his growing experience has helped him close the gap to Bedrin, who entered the Austrian weekend with a commanding championship lead.
“It’s my first season in GB3 and last year I was racing in F4, so as much as it seems like we are having a good start to the season, it’s still my first year. So I have a lot to learn and I’ve been doing that.
“At every round we have been getting better and better and we’re getting closer on pace to Nikita [Bedrin]. Things keep getting better and that’s where the form is, and why we’ve been able to get a second pole position. So I’m really looking forward, my first win is still yet to come but hopefully I can get it here.”
Molnar demonstrated that progress across both parts of Qualifying. He led the opening session before finishing second to Bedrin in Q2, securing front-row starts for Race 1 and Race 2.
Molnar expects close battle at the front
Although Molnar will start Race 1 from pole, the Red Bull Ring’s layout could make it difficult for him to control the contest from the front.
The circuit features several long straights that allow drivers to gain a slipstream. Tight braking zones at Turns 1, 3 and 4 also create clear overtaking opportunities, particularly when drivers use the GB3 car’s Drag Reduction System.
Therefore, Molnar expects Rehm, Bedrin and the rest of the leading group to remain close during the race. Rather than expecting to build an immediate advantage, he has prepared himself for a direct fight.
“I definitely need to get a good start, I think there will be some battles, I don’t think anyone will be driving into the distance without having a battle, so we’re going to fight for it.
“I still need to look at some previous races and see how others have done it, I already have an idea about how to keep the lead but we will see.”
A strong launch will give Molnar his first opportunity to defend the lead. However, he must also manage the slipstream and position his car carefully into the circuit’s major braking zones.
Rodin presents united challenge to Bedrin
Rodin Motorsport enters Race 1 with all three of its drivers inside the top nine.
Molnar and Rehm will share the front row, while Abbi Pulling starts ninth after leading Friday afternoon’s final testing session. The team therefore has several opportunities to score significant points and reduce Bedrin’s championship advantage.
However, the opening corners could create a delicate situation for Molnar and Rehm. Both drivers want their first victory of the season, while Bedrin will start directly behind them and remains ready to capitalise on any battle between the two Rodin cars.
Molnar must consequently balance aggression with control. He needs to defend his position without losing momentum or creating an opportunity for Bedrin to pass both front-row starters.
Molnar seeks maiden victory from strongest position
Molnar’s consecutive poles have confirmed his improving pace, but he now wants to convert that speed into his first GB3 victory.
His home weekend produced an important breakthrough in Qualifying, while the Red Bull Ring has given him another opportunity only seven days later. This time, he hopes to combine his speed with a clean start and effective race management.
The Hungarian has already studied how he can defend the lead, although he knows the circuit could produce several battles throughout the race.
Race 1 begins at 14:25 local time on Saturday, with Molnar leading Rehm and Bedrin from the front of the grid.
