Strong drive from Armstrong

Having to start from the back of the grid for the second race of the Italian Formula 4 Championship at Monza, newly crowned champion Marcus Armstrong finished fourth in the penultimate race of the series. In the third and final race, Armstrong crossed the line in first place only to be relegated to 10th after a 25 second penalty was served.

Race 2 started behind the Safety Car, due to cloudy and foggy conditions and a damp track. All drivers started the race on rain tyres and on the third lap, when the race went green, the Russian Petrov (DR Formula) immediately got by the Italian Lorenzo Colombo (Bhaitech), and took command of the race, going on to win with an advantage of more than 12 seconds, despite incurring a 5 second penalty for cutting one of the chicanes.

In second place was the fighting Dutchman Van Uitert (Jenzer Motorsport), who started from pitlane due to his fire extinguisher being replaced at the last moment. His recovery even more commendable given that he also suffered a spin on the 9th lap. Third place on the podium for the Italian Lorandi (Bhaitech), who started in 8th.

Fourth for the New Zealander, the newly crowned champion Marcus Armstrong (Prema Power Team), who drove a great race after he started from the back of the grid. Rounding out the top five the Venezuelan Sebastian Fernandez (Bhaitech), ahead of his team mate Colombo.

Race 3 – Penalty sees Armstrong finish 10th

Race 3 was raced on a dry circuit with the temperature at around 20 degrees. When the red lights went out the Italian Lorenzo Colombo (Bhaitech) got away from his team mate, the Venezuelan Sebastian Fernandez, who from 2nd went back to 6th. The Russian Artem Petrov, starting from 4th on the grid, already by the second lap was able to pass Colombo for the lead of the race.

Just a few corners later the Dutch driver Job Van Uitert (Jenzer Motorsport) New Zealander Marcus Armstrong (Prema Power Team) also passed Colombo. The first three continued to battle, until on lap 5 Petrov broke his front wing attempting to pass Armstrong (who was later penalised 25 seconds classifying him 10th at race end).

On the following lap, with his aerodynamics compromised, Petrov cut the chicane. As he re-entered the circuit, he made contact with Van Uitert, ending the race for both drivers right there. At this point, Armstrong drove away, unchallenged to take the chequered flag first although the race winner was Colombo.

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