Norisring pole for points' leader Edoardo Mortara

  Air temperature: 34.6 °C
Track temperature: 39.9 °C

After Edoardo Mortara (Signature, 0:48.963 minutes) had set his maiden fastest qualifying time in the Formula 3 Euro Series at Valencia, he added his second pole position on the next race weekend at the 2.3 kilometres long Norisring. Valtteri Bottas (ART Grand Prix, 0:49.000 minutes), local hero Marco Wittmann (Signature, 0:49.063 minutes) and Alexander Sims (ART Grand Prix, 0:49.151 minutes) followed in second to fourth place. With his fastest qualifying time, Mortara extended his margin over Wittmann in the drivers' standings by one point to 14.

Edoardo Mortara (I, Signature, Dallara F308 Volkswagen) Credit: Euro F3 Series

Mortara dominated proceedings throughout qualifying for the seventh season round of the Formula 3 Euro Series in hot conditions. Only just before the end, Valtteri Bottas succeeded in toppling Mortara from the top position. However, Mortara countered successfully and claimed back first place. Behind Wittmann, Sims and Laurens Vanthoor (Signature, 0:49,313 minutes), Carlos Muñoz (Mücke Motorsport, 0:49.463 minutes) was the best-placed rookie in sixth position.

Edoardo Mortara (Signature): "Qualifying was crazy. I was in the lead for a long time. But just before the end, Valtteri was in front of me. After that, I wanted to attack once again, had to overtake my team-mate Laurens Vanthoor and spun. Fortunately, I didn't hit the wall. The next lap was then still good for the fastest time. I am totally happy."

Valtteri Bottas (ART Grand Prix): "It was very close, small things decided things in favour of Edoardo. Of course, I would have liked to have pole position and the bonus point. But here, everything is possible from second place on the grid, too, as this track provides good opportunities for overtaking. For me, it will be important to finish ahead of points' leader Edoardo Mortara."

Marco Wittmann (Signature): "My clutch went after a few laps already. I am certain that I could have been further up front had it not been for this problem. Even though nothing is lost yet with third place, I am still slightly disappointed. It just wasn't perfect."

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