Monaco, the European season kicks off
Next weekend, the FIA Formula 2 Championship will take place on the Monaco street circuit. After the American interlude, featuring Miami and Montreal, the junior series begins its European season. The streets of the Principality of Monaco, with its iconic turns and guardrails, will host the championship's first back-to-back races.
Trident Motorsport arrives at the fourth round of the FIA Formula 2 Championship season aiming for a competitive weekend. Protagonist in both Melbourne and Miami, the Milan-based team, with operational headquarters in Ossona, has had a solid start to the season.
Despite excellent performances in both qualifying and the two races on the semi-permanent Canadian circuit, both Laurens Van Hoepen and John Bennett failed to achieve a result in line with their potential in Montreal.
Fourth place in Saturday's Sprint Race, Laurens Van Hoepen failed to capitalize on his pole position in Sunday's longer race. The 20-year-old Dutchman currently sits fifth in the overall FIA Formula 2 Championship standings, just three points behind second place. Having had his best weekend since joining Trident Motorsport, John Bennett will aim to confirm his performance and score his first points of the season.
Monaco is undoubtedly the toughest street circuit in the entire championship, where barriers and guardrails are often touched, and the slightest mistake has a cost. Considering the difficulties in overtaking, qualifying will be very important. Both Trident Motorsport drivers are aiming for a competitive weekend. To this end, the preparation work, as usual, has been meticulous and thorough.
Giacomo Ricci, Team Manager at Trident Motorsport: “Monaco is extremely challenging and treacherous. Races often have an unpredictable course due to frequent neutralizations. Difficulties in overtaking make qualifying crucial. It will be important for our drivers to find a good feeling with the track in free practice. Given the layout of the circuit, a competitive qualifying session will be crucial to lay the foundations for a strong showing in the race.”
The engines of the FIA Formula 2 Championship cars will start on Thursday at 3:00 PM, with the 45-minute free practice session. Qualifying, split into two sessions, starts at 3:10 PM on Friday. The Sprint Race will take place on Saturday at 2:15 PM. The Feature Race, which will conclude the weekend, will start on Sunday at 9:25 AM. All track activity will be broadcast live on Sky Sport F1.