MP Motorsport’s Maya Weug took pole position in the F1 Academy Singapore Qualifying session. Sitting a mere 20 points behind Championship Leader Doriane Pin, the penultimate round is a crucial opportunity to make out points.
A tough Qualifying session
In reflection of her Qualifying session, Weug acknowledged that it tough nature. She stated: “It was tough,”. The Marina Bay Circuit is made up of walls close in proximity, with a small error known to be detrimental.
The Dutch driver claimed that the session was tricky to put laps together in, so she focused on making as little mistakes as possible. Thankfully for Weug, this resulted in pole position for Sunday’s race. She noted the joy she feels to be able to retain the momentum built in Zandvoort.
“It was definitely not an easy Qualifying. It’s Singapore, there are close walls everywhere. We saw how tricky it was to put a lap together and in the end, I made quite a few mistakes.
“It’s about just making the mistakes as small as possible in your lap and we got the pole in the end. I’m super happy, keeping that momentum from Zandvoort. I’m just looking forward to the race tomorrow, it will be tricky to overtake.”
An anxious end to Qualifying in Singapore
The final minutes of Qualifying saw the fastest lap being taken in rotation by Weug, Chambers and Pin. While Pin was on her final push lap, Weug had time to reflect. She explained her thought process to find where she could have improved.
Weug also reflected on the anxiety inducing minute she faced, unaware of who held pole. During this stressful moment, she begged her team to let her know where her time had landed her. Thankfully, it was a lap worthy of pole.
“I touched the wall on the last push. I had a green Sector 1 and then touched the wall in Sector 2, I was a bit annoyed at myself. Then when I crossed the line, there was silence on the radio until Turn 5.
“I was like ‘guys please let me know’ and it was still another minute that I didn’t know if I had pole or not. It was quite stressful! In the end, we got it and I’m a bit harsh on myself because I know I could have made my life easier. That’s the goal, we achieved it today and we go on for tomorrow and Sunday.”
A reverse grid P8 start for Race 1
Singapore in 2024 was a strong weekend for Weug, although she isn’t confident she will be able to replicate it. She noted how tough it is to be behind cars in Singapore, stating: “It’s really tricky to follow,”. Weug went on to explain her best chance for success is to have strong tyre management, and focus on last minute positions. First on her list, is to have a good start, that will give her the advantage she needs.
“I think my biggest chance will be managing the tyres better than the others and try to make up places towards the end. Especially the start, where I can just make sure that I have a good start and make up places. Be aggressive at the beginning and manage tyres to clear up a bit at the end and then go for the fastest lap.”
