Lawson on reverse-grid pole, Armstrong makes it two Kiwis on front row

After finishing tenth in qualifying overnight, Liam Lawson starts the first Formula 2 race in Saudi Arabia from the reverse-gird pole.

The Kiwi will start alongside New Zealand compatriot Marcus Armstrong, who was ninth quickest in qualifying.

The session sets the grid for the weekend’s final race – the feature – while the top ten runners are reversed for race one.

Oscar Piastri claimed pole in qualifying, thus starting race one from tenth.

The new Saudi Arabian street circuit is a steep challenge for some of the field.

The sole 45-minute practice session was littered with accidents and red flags. Several drivers crashed hard into the barriers, but all managed to set a lap in qualifying.

Despite the lack of running, Armstrong was a competitive fifth in practice while Lawson was 11th

Qualifying ran uninterrupted, and Piastri secured pole with his final effort, knocking off provisional polesitter Theo Pourchaire.

Pourchaire dropped to third following a quick last lap from Robert Shwartzman, making for a Prema 1-2.

Overtaking is expected to be reasonably tricky this weekend, putting Lawson and Armstrong in prime position to challenge for a win or podium.

That race kicks off at 1.30 am NZT on Sunday.