As Formula 2 returned to Europe for the fourth round of the season, it was a familiar venue that provided the stage for a new name to headline the weekend. Under the warm skies of Imola, it was Hitech Pulse-Eight’s Dino Beganovic who claimed his first-ever F2 pole position — a breakthrough moment that came at the perfect time for the Ferrari junior.
The 20-year-old Swede delivered a clinical lap just before a red flag prematurely ended the session, stopping the clock at 1:27.418. The margins were razor-thin: just 0.003s ahead of Sebastián Montoya (PREMA) and a further 0.003s in front of Victor Martins (ART), making it one of the tightest qualifying sessions of the season so far.
A Red Flag, A Perfect Lap, and a Slice of Fortune
The Imola layout rewards rhythm, confidence, and commitment — traits Beganovic has steadily developed since stepping up to Formula 2 full-time this year. With the times tumbling late in the session, the final runs promised to shuffle the order. But when Kush Maini (DAMS) went off at Turn 4, triggering a red flag with just over five minutes remaining, it effectively locked in the standings.
Beganovic had already laid down his best effort moments earlier — and crucially, it held. While others were gearing up for their final attacks, the red flag denied them a chance. It’s easy to call it luck, but Beganovic had timed his push perfectly.
Momentum for the Rookie, Frustration for the Rest
After dipping into F2 for the final two rounds last year — including a podium in Abu Dhabi — Beganovic returned this season with a full campaign ahead and a clear mission. His early results showed flashes of promise, but this pole marks a true turning point. It’s a reminder that he’s not just here to learn — he’s here to compete.
Behind him, frustration lingered. Montoya was left ruing what might have been. Martins, a front-runner all season, once again found himself narrowly missing out. Leonardo Fornaroli (Invicta Racing) and Alexander Dunne (Rodin Motorsport) rounded out the top five, both putting in impressive efforts to stay within striking distance.
Further back, it was a nightmare session for championship leader Richard Verschoor, who will start from 19th in both the Sprint and Feature races — a major blow to his early-season momentum.
What This Means Going Forward
It’s only qualifying, and as this season has already shown, nothing comes easy in Formula 2. But this pole carries weight. Imola is a drivers’ circuit, and delivering under pressure here suggests Beganovic is beginning to unlock the next level in his development.
With track position critical and overtaking at a premium, Saturday’s Sprint and Sunday’s Feature Race will demand precision, tyre management, and a cool head — all areas where Beganovic will now be tested.
Looking Ahead
For Hitech, this pole is validation of the team’s investment in young talent. For Beganovic, it’s a signal that he’s ready to mix it with the best. And for the rest of the field, it’s a reminder: the pecking order in Formula 2 is anything but settled as we head into race day.