F3: Bortoleto crowned champion at Monza as team mate Goethe snatches maiden pole

Trident reigned triumphant in a frenetic Formula 3 qualifying at Monza, as Oliver Goethe claimed his first pole position, allowing team mate Gabriel Bortoleto to secure the 2023 drivers’ championship title.

Running in the gap between the second and third red flags at the halfway mark, Goethe ran in clear air and posted a 1m 38.909s to go less than a clear of Caio Collet and Mercedes junior Paul Aron in third.

Opting for another attempt in the gap once green flag conditions returned, Goethe driver went off into the barriers at Turn 7, triggering a third and final red flag and the session was not resumed.

As championship contenders Aron and Josep Maria Marti were unable to secure the two points awarded for pole, Bortoleto managed to claim the title, following in the footsteps of Robert Shwartzman and Oscar Piastri as a rookie champion.

Jonny Edgar qualified fourth for MP Motorsport, as Bortoleto completed the top five. Alpine junior Gabriele Mini took the sixth fastest time ahead of Williams junior Zak O’Sullivan and the third Trident of Leonardo Fornaroli. Britons Luke Browning and Taylor Barnard rounded out the top 10.

Qualifying in 12th, Gregoire Saucy has the chance to claim his first F3 win when he lines up on reverse grid pole alongside ART Grand Prix team mate Nikola Tsolov. Saturday’s Sprint Race begins at 0925 local time.

For a full report, head to the official Formula 3 website.