RACE DEBRIEF

    Frederik Vesti took victory around Monza in the Formula 2 Sprint Race to keep his championship aspirations alive. The PREMA Racing and Mercedes Junior Team driver made a fast start, taking the lead of the race by Turn 4 having lined up in third position on the grid.

    From there, the Dane controlled the pace out front and had escaped DRS range of his closest challengers. That was until a late-race Safety Car that brought a charging Victor Martins back into contention for the win.

    F2: Pourchaire takes crucial pole at Monza as he hunts 2023 title

    The ART Grand Prix driver had started sixth but was in fine form, pulling off several late-braking moves into the first corner throughout the race. A lunge to the inside of Richard Verschoor gave the Alpine Academy driver P2 on Lap 16 and the subsequent Safety Car led to a tense battle between the leading pair for the top step on the podium.

    Formula 2 Highlights: 2023 Italian GP Sprint Race

    After controlling the restart, Vesti was able to build a buffer and keep enough momentum through the final corner to resist Martins’ attempts. Despite the Frenchman’s string of fastest laps keeping him within the critical DRS window of the leader in the final laps, the PREMA driver held on for an important win.

    With the victory, Vesti closes to within seven points of championship leader Theo Pourchaire, who went on to finish fourth having started 10th. Martins’ podium moved him up to fourth in the championship while Verschoor claimed his second rostrum finish of the campaign.

    F3: Colapinto secures record-equalling Monza Sprint Race win ahead of Champion Bortoleto

    Kush Maini was fifth for Campos Racing ahead of PREMA Racing’s Oliver Bearman. Fellow Ferrari Academy Driver Arthur Leclerc followed in seventh for DAMS and Trident driver Roman Stanek rounded out the points-paying positions in eighth.

    For a full recap of the Formula 2 Monza Sprint Race, visit the official F2 website.