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chalres leclerc on finishing p2 in qualifying at austrian grand prix

Charles Leclerc back on the front row in Austria: 'Nice to be back there'

30 June 2023 at 17:22
Last update 30 June 2023 at 17:30
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  • Olly Darcy
  • Editor

Charles Leclerc will start P2 at the Austrian Grand Prix as he pushed World Championship leader Max Verstappen right to the end of Q3.

In a newly-upgraded Ferarri, the Monegasque driver showcased some serious pace around the Red Bull Ring, just missing out on P1 for Sunday's race by five-hundredths of a second behind the World Championship leader in the rapid RB19.

"It feels good to have a clean qualifying again and to be back on the front row," speaking to Jolyon Palmer after Q3.

"The feeling has been better in the last few races, and then in Q1 and Q2, it was all about building up to that lap in Q3. I managed to put everything that I wanted in that last lap in Q3."

As a result of some unexpected and electric pace, Leclerc will start alongside Verstappen on Sunday in Spielberg, with teammate Carlos Sainz right behind him in P3 and Lando Norris in an upgraded McLaren, showing some increased pace to finish P4.

"We were close to Max, but we didn't expect to be so close to the Red Bulls. I want to thank everyone back at the factory for the work that they have done in the last two-three weeks to bring this package earlier than scheduled. We now have to confirm this in the race."

"Race pace looked quite good in Montreal, so consistency is where we need to focus. We need to see on Sunday if we have the pace as Montreal, but for now, Red Bull has the pace, and it is going to be difficult."