Alex Dunne loses F2 podium finish after disqualification for technical issue with car in Austria
Starting seventh on the grid, after struggling with returning to the F2 car in qualifying following his stunning Formula One performance for McLaren in Friday's free practice, the Offaly youngster lost ground early on but kept his cool.
After the pit stops, he went on the charge, carving through the pack with a string of bold overtakes to grab second with eight laps to go — and held that position to the finish without fuss. Dunne had been summoned to the stewards office with an overtake on Victor Martins at turn four under investigation but no further action was taken.
However, another issue then arose after the race resulting in a second summoning, this time for not complying with the minimum plank thickness regulations at the front of the car. And on this occasion the news from the stewards wasn't positive with a disqualification notice issued around 1.30opm Irish time.
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Regardless of the outcome, it was a top-drawer performance, although the fact that the race winner was Richard Verschoor, Dunne's closest rival in the standings, means the Dutchman has leapfrogged Dunne in the title race and now leads by 24 points with seven rounds to go after Dunne's 18 points for second place were deducted.
Despite the late disappointment it was still a good weekend for the Irishman.
Blame for the disqualification doesn't lie at his feet and on Friday, Dunne became the first Irish driver in 22 years to get behind the wheel of an F1 car — and didn't just make up the numbers, either. He stunned the paddock by going fourth fastest in FP1.
On Saturday a little fortune saw him finish sixth in the sprint race and Sunday's commanding drive once again underscored his talent.
The F2 Championship now heads to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix next weekend, where Dunne will aim to reclaim the top spot in the standings as the title race hots up.
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