ART Grand Prix’s Théo Pourchaire has taken his second race victory in the 2022 FIA Formula 2 Championship, as he prevailed over the competition in a frantic Feature Race outing at Imola.
Unfortunately for the two Kiwi drivers the race did not go to plan. Liam Lawson crashed on lap 32, forcing a Safety Car period which ran all the way to the chequered flag. Marcus Armstrong received a five second time penalty (post-race) after it was determined that during his pit stop, the front trolley jack was lowered prior to the rear wheels being completely fitted.
Although the light to indicate to the driver to go was still red, Armstrong released the clutch while the right rear Hitech Grand Prix mechanic was still working on the wheel causing an injury to the mechanic. The New Zealander admitted his error. He had finished P13 and now classifies P16.
Pourchaire started the race on the super soft tyre from seventh on the grid and made his pit stop early on. The Frenchman stayed out of trouble throughout the remaining laps to take the chequered flag behind the Safety Car.
Enzo Fittipaldi sensationally blitzed through the field from 15th on the grid to second place, as he captured his maiden podium in F2.
Behind the Charouz Racing System driver was Ralph Boschung, who managed to claim the final spot on the podium. It marked the Swiss driver’s third career rostrum finish in F2, and his first of the current campaign.
In the Drivers’ Championship, Pourchaire has taken the lead of the standings on 52 points, with Drugovich sitting close behind him on 50. In third is Daruvala, who has 36 points to his name.
In the Teams’ Championship, MP Motorsport heads the teams on 62, holding a narrow lead over ART Grand Prix and Hitech Grand Prix in second and third, who both have 60 points.
The fourth round takes place in just under a month’s time in Barcelona, Spain 20-22 May 2022.
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