Bearman looks forward to home race after promising fifth place in Silverstone qualifying

Oliver Bearman continued to set high goals in a memorable week of his career and was in positive spirits after finishing qualifying for PREMA Racing in fifth place.

Fresh from his confirmation for Haas F1 2025 and the final FP1 session, the Briton was back on track in F2 competition, tackling the Silverstone circuit lined with fans eager to see him.

A top-five start was a well-deserved reward as the PREMA rider continues to gain momentum in what has been a difficult season to date.

“We’ve had some tough qualifying rounds this year, so it’s good to be back in the top five,” Bearman explained afterwards. “I would have liked a little more, but all in all I’m happy with today.”

“It was a tough day to be honest, but I’m happy with my result. I had some good laps and some not so good ones. The first run was provisional pole, but then it seems like every time we do a second run with the same set of tires we struggle a bit more compared to the others, which is a bit annoying.

“My last lap went well, but unfortunately I didn’t finish it so well. A qualifying with ups and downs, but in the end I’m pretty happy with it.”

PREMA has so far failed to meet its own high expectations in 2024, but there are signs that the Italian team is turning things around.

Their better results came in spurts, but with both cars finishing in the top 10 at both Silverstone races, things are looking good for Bearman and his teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

The Italian driver has the chance to go for his first F2 win in the sprint race tomorrow and Bearman hopes the team can also find some things to take into Sunday’s main race.

Whatever happens, he will have a passionate Silverstone crowd behind him every step of the way and that is something the local hero is really enjoying this weekend.

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“We are both in the top 10, Kimi starts from pole tomorrow so I hope he can win. I have a good feeling with the improvements we are making so tomorrow’s race will be a real test.

“I’m looking forward to it. I can’t have any expectations because I’m not really sure how we’ll do in consecutive rounds, but time will tell and I have high hopes.”

“It’s been a really special weekend so far. Playing in front of the home fans is great and I’m really enjoying it. I hope I can finish it off well and bring them some good results.”