Alexander Dunne Sets the Pace: Rodin Motorsport Shines in Montreal F2 Opener
The roar of engines has returned to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, and it seems Rodin Motorsport has arrived with a point to prove. In a stunning start to the Montreal weekend, Irish driver and Alpine Academy member Alexander Dunne dominated the Free Practice session, leading a commanding one-two finish for his team.
Dunne clocked an impressive 1:22.524, narrowly edging out his teammate, Martinius Stenshorne, by a mere 0.012 seconds. This result sends a clear signal to the rest of the Formula 2 (F2) grid that Rodin Motorsport is a force to be reckoned with this weekend.
Conquering the “Hybrid” Challenge of Montreal
Speaking after the session, Dunne expressed his genuine excitement about the track’s unique characteristics. He described the layout as a captivating blend of a traditional permanent circuit and a street track, drawing parallels to other iconic venues.
“The track is really cool, really really enjoyable. I think the general flow of the track is kind of similar to Miami and Melbourne… it’s like a normal track and a street track at the same time,” Dunne shared in the paddock.
Overcoming the Dust: The Battle for Grip
Despite the top speeds, the session wasn’t without its challenges. Dunne noted that the track surface was exceptionally “dirty,” requiring several laps of acclimation before he could truly push the car to its limits. According to him, it was one of the dustiest surfaces he has encountered in his F2 career.
Key takeaways from the practice session:
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- Team Synergy: A perfect 1-2 finish proves the car’s baseline setup is highly competitive.
- Track Evolution: The presence of Formula 1 cars on track prior to the F2 sessions is expected to significantly “rubber in” the surface, increasing grip.
- Adaptability: Dunne adjusted to the layout within just four laps, showcasing his natural instinct and precision.
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Eyes on the Prize: The Road to Qualifying
With qualifying looming, the variables are shifting. Drivers are preparing for significantly higher temperatures and a transition in tyre compounds—moving from the Softs used in practice to the blistering Supersofts.
When asked if these changes would rattle his confidence, Dunne remained unfazed. He highlighted that the removal of dust from the track would be the most influential factor, paving the way for even faster lap times. Having already secured two Pole Positions in his career, the Irish sensation was brief but bold when asked if he could do it again in Montreal:
“Yes!”
As the weekend unfolds, all eyes will be on Alexander Dunne to see if he can convert this practice dominance into a grid-topping performance for Rodin Motorsport.
