Palmowski takes F1 Academy feature pole after Austin lap reinstated

Alisha Palmowski was awarded F1 Academy feature-race pole in Austin after her deleted lap was reinstated following qualifying. Chloe Westcott had set the session’s quickest time and was initially listed as the pole-sitter, but the post-session review changed the feature-race order.

The session marked the series’ return after a two-month break since Zandvoort and began the penultimate qualifying weekend of the season. With three races scheduled, the fastest laps determine the Feature Race grid, second-fastest laps set the Opening Race grid, and the top eight times are reversed for the Reverse Grid Race.

Palmowski remains the championship leader and heads into the United States Grand Prix weekend with a chance to secure the title.

Westcott leads the times before Palmowski’s lap is reinstated

Palmowski set the early benchmark with a 2:09.008, then improved to 2:08.485 and later 2:08.337. She lowered her time again to 2:08.250, but Westcott responded with a 2:07.812 to take provisional pole.

Track limits shaped the session, with several lap times deleted and second-fastest times affecting the Opening Race positions. Emma Felbermayr, for example, had a best lap that placed her fifth, while her second-fastest time left her 17th for the opening event.

Palmowski’s fastest lap had been deleted for exceeding track limits. It was reinstated after the session, making her the Feature Race pole-sitter. Westcott, meanwhile, had the quickest second lap and secured pole for Friday’s Opening Race. Nina Gademan was listed third for both the Feature and Opening Races before the review.

Palmowski’s form follows her strong previous round, where she held off Alba Larsen to win the Zandvoort Feature Race.

Ferreira gets reverse-grid pole in Austin

Rafaela Ferreira’s eighth-fastest time puts her at the front of the Reverse Grid Race. Lisa Billard moved into third during the session, while Felbermayr had to abandon a promising lap after locking up. Wildcard Alexia Danielsson finished 15th as she seeks a full-time place in the series next season.

The Opening Race is scheduled for Friday afternoon in Austin. Palmowski will start the weekend’s Feature Race from pole, with the championship leader aiming to convert the opportunity into a title-clinching result. Earlier in the weekend, Felbermayr topped opening practice in Austin.