Alex Dunne dominates F2 qualifying to seize Spa pole for Belgian Grand Prix
The Offaly native, who moved back up to third in the F2 drivers' championships standings after a second-place finish at a rain-sodden British Grand Prix feature race earlier this month, was in blistering form throughout the practice and qualifying sessions in Belgium on Friday.
The Rodin driver and McLaren junior set a time of 1:57.151, more than four-tenths of a second clear of Japanese driver Ritomo Miyata.
Championship leader Richard Verschoor missed out on the top ten, qualifying 11th, almost a full second (0.845) down on Dunne's time.
DUNNE GOES EVEN QUICKER!? 😱
The Irishman is in a class of his own today... 🥵 #F2 #BelgianGP pic.twitter.com/8leoQhR6Xu
— Formula 2 (@Formula2) July 25, 2025
American Jak Crawford, who pipped Dunne to victory at Silverstone three weeks ago, was only able to qualify 14th.
Dutchman Verschoor and Crawford are 12 and six points ahead of Dunne in the drivers' standings, with points at play in Saturday's Belgian sprint race and Sunday's feature race, the latter of which the Irishman will start on pole for, with a huge opportunity to propel his title hopes at his nearest rivals' expense.
Dunne has won two feature races this year in Bahrain and at Imola, and recently became the first Irish driver to feature in a Formula One grand prix session for 22 years when he took part in Friday first practice ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix.
Meanwhile, the F1 championship is also resuming this weekend after a three-week break, with sprint qualifying at the Belgian Grand Prix later on Friday afternoon, with qualifying for the grand prix on Saturday and the race itself on Sunday.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Bernard Dunne opens up on wife's shock cancer diagnosis
Bernard Dunne has opened up on his wife's shock cancer diagnosis, learning the news when he arrived home from the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Thankfully, Dunne also added that his wife Pamela is 'fabulous now'. Former World Champion Dunne was part of the Irish Boxing team to travel to Tokyo for the Covid-disrupted games, and was met with the terrible news that long-time partner Pamela was diagnosed with cancer. Dunne has teamed up with the Hurling for Cancer Research crew again for 2025 and spoke of the news, and is hoping that they can raise plenty of cash on the day. 'I don't think there's a family in the country, possibly in the world, that has not been impacted by the dreaded C-word,' Bernard Dunne said. 'We've had it in my family with my wife. I found out the day I came home from the Olympic Games. It was aggressive but thankfully she is fabulous now and we enjoy and appreciate every day. 'We need to face everything in life with positivity and the right mindset and that is what this event is all about. It's a real family day, really sociable and great fun. The goodwill, effort and support this gets from everyone across the country, I've honestly never seen anything like it. 'Whatever you can do or give on the night is all that's important. I'm a fighter, not a hurler, so I helped out as an umpire last year. I think the lads were aiming at me, not the posts!' Bernard Dunne, one of the galaxy of Irish sports superstars supporting this year's annual Hurling for Cancer Research game, has disclosed why the event means so much to him. The former WBA super bantamweight world champion revealed that his family has had direct experience of cancer, and that the shocking news came when he least expected it, on his return from the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021 where he was the High-Performance Director for Irish boxing. The annual game has raised a whopping €1.6m over the last 14 years, which goes directly to cancer research, and has its usual stars on show for the game. Legendary forward TJ Reid will be back again this year. "I'm involved for 10 years. It's become a very special day in the calendar, especially for the kids who get to meet and get autographs from their heroes, but also because so many people come and it creates so much awareness, especially among men. 'I'm always telling males, especially men over 40, to go and get their bloods done and get their prostate checked. It only takes 10 minutes at your doctor's, and those 10 minutes could potentially save your life.' Recently retired Rachael Blackmore will also be in attendance: 'I got roped in a few years ago and you couldn't say no because it's such a brilliant evening. Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer so it's just a brilliant cause to support and the event is growing every year.' This year's game takes place at Netwatch Cullen Park in Carlow on Monday the 18th of August. Adult tickets are €10 while children's tickets are €5 and can be purchased HERE.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Roy Keane jokes ‘I want to watch the match' as Man Utd legend takes time to sign autograph for young fan
ROY KEANE joked "I want to watch the match" as he signed autographs for kids over the weekend. The Advertisement 4 Roy Keane made time for local kids Credit: TikTok @Tracyfarmer84 4 The Man Utd legend signed several autographs Credit: TikTok @Tracyfarmer84 Ahead of taking his seat, Keane penned several autographs for kids. In footage captured by a TikTok user, the midfielder-turned-pundit could be seen making plenty of kids' day by signing various items. As the clip went on, Keane could be heard saying: I want to watch the match!" Eventually he cut the scene short, turning and jogging towards his seat. Advertisement READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS The match was contested by the bottom two sides in Ireland's top flight. Cork are at the foot of the table, and were marooned further as they lost 3-2 under Keane's watchful eye. Goals by Evan McLoughlin and former But a collapse in the last half hour saw the home side lose 3-2. Advertisement Most read in Football Latest BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 4 Keane was in the stands to watch Cork City vs Sligo Rovers Credit: Sportsfile In 2022, Keane was seen The Sky Sports star was sat in his seat at Advertisement 'No private plane waiting for me' - Roy Keane rubbishes Gary Neville's England complaints with brutal Saipan putdown While the game was going on, a fan approached Keane. The Irishman looked fuming at the request and could be seen pointing down to the pitch, motioning that he was trying to watch the game. At the time, ITV's During coverage of the game, Woods said: "You've got Roy Keane, Advertisement 4 Keane did not take kindly to a selfie request during the NFL Credit: ITV
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Champions League winner and football royalty joined by Scotland icon at grand opening of Donald Trump's new golf course
PREMIER LEAGUE icons Andriy Shevchenko and Gianfranco Zola are being joined by local hero Jim Leighton in the full list of VIPs taking part at the grand opening of the new Trump international golf course this morning. As you might expect US President Donald Trump gets things under way at 10.45am - with his four ball including his son Eric - alongside two men you might know best these days from SkySports' golf commentary team, Rich Beem and Paul McGinley. Advertisement 6 The scene at the new Trump North Sea Links course near Balmedie 6 US President Donald Trump reacts as he plays golf at the Trump Turnberry Credit: AFP 6 The full list of four balls at the venue this morning Irishman McGinley, of course, was also a four-time title winner on the European Tour and a winning Ryder Cup captain in 2014. They're in the first fourball of the day - then it's the turn of two heroes from football , Aberdeen Gothenburg great and Scotland legend Jim Leighton and Liverpool star Robbie Fowler. Then at 11.12am, it's the turn of former Chelsea duo Gianfranco Zola and Andriy Shevchenko. The Ukrainian - who won the Champions League with AC Milan - and the Italian are joined by Scottish golf hero Stephen Gallagher and ambassador Warren Stephens, who is the current US ambassador to the UK . Advertisement Other golf stars taking part in the event include Kiwi Michael Campbell, Finland's Jarmo Sandelin and France 's Jean van de Velde, who memorably lost a three-shot lead on the last at the Open at Canoustie back in 1999, when he ended up in his bare feet in the Barry Burn. The ex-pros and the celebrities were spotted using the practice range this morning with Don't You Want Me by the Human League being played over the Tannoy. A huge saltire fluttered in the wind alongside the Stars and Stripes - and there was a whiff of manure after a wind direction change too. Spanning hundreds of acres of rugged coastal terrain, the brand new, 18-hole links course at Trump Scotland in Aberdeenshire promises an exceptional golfing experience with dramatic views of the North Sea. Advertisement Most read in Golf Featuring the world's largest natural bunker, mountainous sand dunes, and infinity greens hugging the coastal dune ridge, the new Trump North Sea Links course at Balmedie is designed to complement the existing Trump International championship links course. While controversial politically at its birth, the Trump International has received worldwide acclaim and is ranked among the 'Top 100 Courses in the World' by Golf Digest. Donald Trump tees off at luxury Turnberry course during Scots visit The US president spent yesterday at hit other resort in Scotland, Trump Turnberry - where he slammed windfarms as "ugly monsters" and pleaded for more North Sea oil and gas drilling - just hours before a meeting with the First Minister. The US President also poured cold water on John Swinney's fresh push for a second independence referendum while rooting for Scotland to "do well" due to his late mum's Isle of Lewis roots. Advertisement He suggested that now was too soon for another vote on separation during a press conference at his Turnberry golf club in Ayrshire alongside Sir Keir Starmer. The SNP chief earlier claimed a Nats majority of MSPs at next May's Holyrood election could be the "springboard" for Scotland "taking charge of our own destiny". 6 Portrait of Andrei Shevchenko Credit: Getty 6 Chelsea's Gianfranco Zola in his pomp at Stamford Bridge Credit: Getty Advertisement 6 Jim Leighton was a massive hero for Scotland, Aberdeen and Man Utd Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
