Hauger positive of Monza chances despite imperfect Qualifying lap

Dennis Hauger just missed out on a top three in Qualifying around Monza by 0.019s, but the MP Motorsport driver was very enthusiastic about his and the team’s chances going forward.
The Norwegian driver wound up fourth at the chequered flag, just under two-tenths away from pole man Zane Maloney.
Speaking afterwards, Hauger says he was pleased to end up with a strong grid position considering it was a difficult session that featured two Red Flag stoppages.
“It was obviously a bit chaotic, but it always is at Monza. The result was decent, I feel like we had a bit more to give. It wasn’t a perfect tow, I was a bit too far away and that meant it wasn’t the perfect lap.
“But overall, we managed to get P4. I was aiming for the top position, but we’ll take that and two good starting positions for the races. So, I’m happy with that.”
READ MORE: QUALIFYING: Maloney beats Hadjar to take maiden F2 pole position in Monza
The pauses in running meant that pre-determined run plans had to be altered on the fly. The MP driver says that it was tricky to balance all of the requirements while trying to gain ideal track position.
With the tow and slipstream proving to be so crucial around a Qualifying lap at Monza, nobody wanted to commit to a flying lap without one. Hauger says that it meant the majority of the field went into the final flying laps with a lot of pressure having been unable to record a ‘banker lap’ already.
“It’s changing all the time, especially around this track where the slipstream effect is so important. Everyone’s going crazy for it. For me, on the first set I was actually going out alone, not worrying too much about it but then we had a Red Flag, twice, and it all got a bit messy again.
“So no one really got the proper lap in before the second set, or not many at least. So we were all just trying to find some space, trying to maximise the time we had on track, and it was just changing all the time, especially considering the fuel we have. We have to try and stick with what we had planned.”
Looking ahead to the remainder of the weekend and the Sprint and Feature Races, Hauger says he and the team are in a good place with the car to fight for strong results in both events.
He believes that it will be a case of picking the right battles, something that is easier said than done, with the Monza layout meaning it can be a case of pass-or-be-passed.
The starts of both races will be a big factor, with the run to the first corner one of the longest on the 2024 calendar.
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From there, keeping in touch with the car ahead to ensure the benefit of the DRS tow will be pivotal according to Hauger.
“I think the pace in FP and Qualifying was pretty good overall. I think we’re in a good position and Pole Position is not the most important grid slot around here, but I think we can do something good.
“We just have to be calm and smart, it’s a long race here. The slipstream is important, so we have to manage that in the right way and also get a good start, that’s going to be important as well.
“It’s a long run into Turn 1, so we’ll see. I’m looking forward to it. Making moves when you get the opportunity is crucial, definitely when you’re going into the middle-to-end phase of the race.
“If you’re struggling a bit, it’s so easy to get onto the back foot and end up going backwards around here, so it’s important to push at the right time, be a bit smart and manage the gaps. I think we can get some good results, so I’m feeling ready.”