Block left with ‘mixed emotions’ after Singapore Qualifying as she and Nobels reflect on maiden victory chances in Race 1

ART Grand Prix teammates Lia Block and Aurelia Nobels will have each other for company as line up on the front row for the first time for Race 1, but both drivers have their sights set on bringing home their first F1 ACADEMY win in Singapore.

Last year saw Block qualify fourth for both races, but the Williams driver struggled to find the same pace around the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Qualifying in eighth, she was left with “mixed emotions” as she’ll line up on reverse grid pole for Saturday’s race.

“Obviously, I would love to be higher up in the field, but it is what it is,” admitted Block. “We had to make a big step from Free Practice. We were struggling a bit with the car balance, but once we made that step in Qualifying, honestly the tyres just weren't there at the end so I was struggling a bit with the rears.

“All of the excuses aside, we still start on pole for Race 1, which I’m pretty happy about especially at a track that it’s very rare to see a lot of passing on. The focus for tomorrow is to get a good getaway, have a clean rest of the race and keep it in front.”

She added: “It fell into my lap in a way. We were thankful that nobody else improved on that last lap. I think it’s a very high chance that we do get a win tomorrow, but the results aside, we just need to keep working and work as hard as we did in Zandvoort going forward.”

Whilst Block has her maiden podium in the books, courtesy of her P2 finish in Zandvoort Race 1, Nobels is still looking for her first piece of silverware. Although her P7 result puts her in a strong position for Race 1, the PUMA driver admits more should have been possible as she prepares for firm but fair racing against Block.

“It was a solid Qualifying,” said Nobels. “I made some mistakes on the last few laps which cost me a bit, but I think we're in a good position to fight for the podium and good points. I’ll give it my best.”

READ MORE: QUALIFYING: Weug masters Singapore streets to seal crucial back-to-back pole positions

“The start will be super important because it’s very hard to overtake here. There are some places, but the car in front has to do a mistake. I’ll focus on the start and I think we have good pace, so I’ll try to maximise everything.”

When asked how she’ll approach racing against Block, Nobels insisted: “Hopefully, there’ll be respect between each other. We both want a podium and we’ll try to be respectful but of course, racing each other.”