It was like that at the first season, it's just normal. Times were closer to WRs and the difference of the fast drivers to the not so fast drivers were huge, as it is in any other league. Those slower drivers didn't have a chance what so ever. Also there was the problem with traffic, tracks being somewhat short.
Now, as you only have one shot, you might want to think about pushing to get a good position/pole (and maybe ending up in the wall and out of the event) or doing an ok lap to garantee a mid/low position on the grid (but then you'll have to battle your way against the faster drivers).
Either way you'll need lots of concentration, pressure handling and smooth driving on cold tyres. Talk about extra tension.