Brad Benavides Secures Historic First F3 Pole for AIX Racing at Spa

In a thrilling qualifying session on July 25, 2025, at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Brad Benavides of AIX Racing achieved a significant milestone by earning his first FIA Formula 3 Aramco Pole Position Award. This marked not only a personal achievement for Benavides but also the inaugural pole position for AIX Racing in the highly competitive Formula 3 championship.

The session unfolded dramatically as drivers vied for the top spot on the time sheets. Benavides clocked a remarkable lap time of 2:04.253 on his final attempt, surpassing championship leader Rafael Câmara of TRIDENT, who finished the session in second place with a time of 2:04.359. Callum Voisin from Rodin Motorsport rounded out the top three with a commendable performance.

As the session began, Câmara set an early pace with a time of 2:05.557. He initially led the qualifying rounds ahead of Ugo Ugochukwu by 0.234 seconds. However, the session's dynamics shifted as drivers returned to the track for their final runs, showcasing the evolving conditions of the circuit and the importance of track position.

Notably, Mari Boya, who had been a strong contender during practice, faced setbacks due to track limit violations, which hampered his early performance. Nonetheless, the session saw significant improvements as drivers adjusted their strategies under the changing conditions, ultimately leading to Benavides’ breakthrough performance.

According to team principal of AIX Racing, Mark Thompson, "Today’s pole position is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and Brad's exceptional talent as a driver. We are excited about the opportunity this presents in the upcoming feature race."

The session concluded with a frenzy of activity as drivers attempted to secure their positions for the crucial feature race on Sunday. Despite Câmara's attempts to improve his lap time, he could not outpace Benavides, leaving the American driver in the coveted pole position.

The qualifying session was not just a display of individual talent but also a reflection of the intense competition within the FIA Formula 3 series. As teams prepare for the upcoming races, the implications of this session are significant, potentially altering the trajectory of both the championship standings and team strategies moving forward.

With the FIA Formula 3 Sprint Race scheduled for Saturday morning at 09:15 local time, all eyes will be on Benavides and AIX Racing as they seek to capitalize on this historic achievement. The stage is set for a compelling race weekend at Spa-Francorchamps, where the challenges of the circuit combined with the competitive spirit of Formula 3 promise an exhilarating spectacle for motorsport fans worldwide.