Monger returns to form in Euroformula Open FP1 at Red Bull Ring

Pau Grand Prix winner Billy Monger showed a return to form by setting the pace in the opening Euroformula Open free practice session at the Red Bull Ring.

Monger and Carlin team-mates Nicolai Kjaergaard and Christian Hahn were quick throughout the session, and a last-minute decision to remain on track rather than pit to make changes meant it was Monger who set the pace.

It was the Briton’s first time at the track in the dry, having tested in wet conditions earlier this year. Rain is forecast over the weekend, which could benefit the Pau Grand Prix winner.

Kjaergaard was fourth fastest, while Hahn had set the best middle sector of the session before losing his front wing while returning to the track from a last corner off. After finishing his lap at a slow pace, he parked his car at the pit exit, where it was recovered by crane in the final few minutes.

A final-second effort by Double R Racing’s Jack Doohan put him in second place, 0.119 seconds down on Monger, and only just ahead of Motopark’s Marino Sato, believed to be on the oldest tyres in the field.

Doohan’s team-mate Linus Lundqvist was in first place for lengthy periods but sank to fifth, just ahead of home hero Lukas Dunner. The Teo Martin Motorsport driver is sporting a Niki Lauda tribute helmet this weekend.

Julian Hanses struggled early on but improved to be the second best of the Motopark drivers in seventh, with team-mate Cameron Das languishing in 14th and last.

RP Motorsport also failed to get up to pace in the first half of free practice, but Javier Gonzalez was briefly in first place late on. He and team-mate Pierre-Louis Chovet ended the session in eighth and ninth.

The sole Fortec Motorsports car of Calan Williams completed the top 10.

Free Practice results