Mercedes-backed George Russell bounced back from a disastrous Monaco weekend by claiming his maiden Formula 2 pole position at Paul Ricard.
Russell led the way during the initial laps in the 30-minute session on Friday evening in warm and sunny conditions before improving on his final effort, winding up with a 1:44.469.
Russell’s last lap was enough to end Alexander Albon’s string of pole positions, with the DAMS driver finishing second, 0.166s behind the reigning GP3 champion.
Title leader Lando Norris bagged third spot for Carlin, 0.312s behind compatriot Russell, while team-mate Sergio Sette Camara, returning after the hand injury that sidelined him in Monaco, was fourth.
Luca Ghiotto and Jack Aitken took fifth and sixth for Campos and ART respectively, with Norris’ nearest title rival Artem Markelov seventh.
Prema’s McLaren junior Nyck de Vries classified in eighth spot and vented his frustration over a suspected engine issue that he felt denied him performance.
Louis Deletraz was the lead Charouz driver as he finished in ninth position, with Force India tester Nicholas Latifi rounding out the top 10.
Formula 2’s 30-lap Feature Race is scheduled for 17:45 local time on Saturday.
