Nakamura thrilled with last-gasp improvement and best F3 Qualifying in Spielberg

Jin Nakamura and Hitech were able to deliver one last improvement when it seemed nobody else could find time to earn P9 in Qualifying at the Red Bull Ring.

The Japanese driver set a 1:22.059 with his final lap of the day to climb into the top 10 and give himself and his team a great chance of points in both races this weekend.

Speaking in the garage following the session, Nakamura said that he was very happy with the result, explaining that he and the team had executed a clean session when things got messy for others.

"I'm really happy, we had a really good car from FP so, we had confidence to be in and around the top five to be honest. We missed out, which is a little bit of a shame, but still, it's a very good result.

"It's the first time I'll be starting within the top 12 and we have the reverse grid for tomorrow, so we are really positive about that.

"I was a little bit off plan compared to others, to be honest. We tried to avoid the cars in front, which was really messy. I was looking at that and trying to avoid it.

"After the first lap, we were nowhere. We were like P15, P16 or something. So, we tried to get a good tow, tried to avoid the pack, and we did a really good job. I think the engineers got it right when they said it was time to go, so it was a very nice session from the pit wall."

Nakamura made his final lap count when the majority of the pack couldn't make a step forward in laptime despite the track theoretically being at its best.

The Hitech driver explained that he was able to position his car perfectly to make use of the slipstream and find time that he couldn't in his original attempt.

"My first push was not really good for a new tyre run. I had a really good tow as well, but my first push on the second set of new tyres wasn't great, with the car in front still trying to find the gap.

"I tried to create a gap in Sector 3 and then had a really good gap to the car in front, so I was a little bit lucky as well. But we did a very good job."

Attentions now turn to the Sprint Race on Saturday, and with Nakamura set to go from fourth on the reverse grid, he has his sights firmly set on a maiden Formula 3 podium.

"I just need to do a good start and drive a clever race. We will be working hard for tomorrow."