Monaco, a smooth race decided in qualifying

The Feature Race, which concluded the fourth round of the FIA Formula 2 Championship season, held on the Monaco street circuit, failed to bring any points to Trident Motorsport. Forced to start from the back of the grid due to a difficult qualifying session, both Laurens Van Hoepen and John Bennett finished the longest race of the weekend outside the points.

Due to the layout of the Monaco circuit, with its narrow streets and few overtaking opportunities, Trident Motorsport decided to diversify its drivers' strategies.

Laurent Van Hoepen started from the 21st spot on the grid on Super Soft tires. The 20-year-old Dutchman then pitted on lap eight for Soft tires, which he then used to finish the Feature Race.

John Bennett, starting from the back of the grid, completed instead his first stint on the Soft compound before switching to the Super Soft tires on lap 24. Traffic on the out-lap didn't help the 22-year-old Englishman, who found himself in 20th place, only to climb back up to 18th at the checkered flag.

Van Hoepen managed to gain ground, finishing just outside the points. The 20-year-old Dutchman crossed the line in 12th place. Trident Motorsport will have the chance to redeem itself next weekend when the FIA Formula 2 Championship visits the Spanish circuit of Montmelò.

Giacomo Ricci: “This isn't the result we expected going into the weekend. The drivers decided their fate during qualifying on this fascinating track. After a difficult qualifying session for both of us, we gave it our all, but the race dynamics didn't give us much room for maneuver. Van Hoepen mounted a good comeback, finishing just outside the points zone. Bennett was held back at the back of the pack for too long. Now our attention is already turned to the next round in Montmeló, with the goal of returning to the top of the standings.”