A solid performance and two cars in the points
The Feature Race, which concluded the fifth round of the FIA Formula 2 Championship season, held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmeló, saw Trident Motorsport finish in the points with both drivers following a solid and convincing performance. Despite a qualifying session marred by an interruption and a midfield starting position both Laurens Van Hoepen and John Bennett delivered a highly competitive race, resulting in a remarkable result.
The pit crew of the Milan-based team, with operations based in Ossona, opted to start their drivers Laurens Van Hoepen and John Bennett on Prime tires, extending the first stint and tackling the final part of the race on the more powerful Option tires.
Van Hoepen, starting from thirteenth on the grid, pitted on lap 24. This allowed him to use the Soft tires in the final laps. The twenty-year-old Dutchman then put together a series of overtaking moves that allowed him to cross the finish line of the Feature Race in fifth place and earn ten points, moving him up to eighth in the championship standings.
John Bennett also made good progress. The twenty-two-year-old Englishman started from eighteenth place, opting for the Hard compound, as he had to move up several positions. After tackling the first stint on the Prime tires, Bennett then switched to the Soft tires on lap 23. The Englishman then put together a series of overtaking moves to finish the longer race of the weekend in seventh place. This meant the Trident Racing driver opened his points count in the 2026 FIA Formula 2 Championship. John Bennett also set the fastest lap of the race.
Trident Motorsport will have the opportunity to fully prepare for the next round of the FIA Formula 2 Championship, which will take place at the Austrian Red Bull Ring.
Giacomo Ricci: "We are satisfied with today's performance. We finished in the points with both cars, which showed solid pace despite their different strategies. The interruption of the qualifying session prevented our drivers from securing a starting position commensurate with their potential. In the race, Laurens Van Hoepen and John Bennett displayed a competitive pace that allowed them to complete two convincing comeback races, finishing fifth and seventh, respectively. This guarantees good points and puts the team in a position to approach the next round in Spielberg with great determination and confidence."