To Budapest aiming at a competitive weekend
The FIA Formula 2 Championship is preparing for its ninth round of the season at the Hungaroring, the final round before the second series' summer break. The Hungarian circuit, located just outside Budapest, presents a completely different challenge than the lightning-fast Spa-Francorchamps. Its 4.381 kilometers, characterized by a continuous sequence of medium- and low-speed corners, relatively short straights, and limited overtaking opportunities, make single-lap performance and tire degradation management crucial during the races.
The Hungaroring's unique characteristics place even greater importance on qualifying, which often determines the outcome of the entire weekend. For Trident Motorsport drivers John Bennett and Laurens Van Hoepen, it will be essential to maximize the potential of their respective cars from the first sessions, so as to be in the best possible condition for both the Sprint Race and the longer Sunday race.
Trident Motorsport arrives in Hungary determined to put behind them a Spa-Francorchamps weekend where the potential shown was not rewarded by results. John Bennett had confirmed the team's competitiveness by taking an excellent fifth place in qualifying, but a spin in the Sprint Race and an ineffective strategy in the Sunday race prevented him from scoring points.
Laurens Van Hoepen, on the other hand, mounted a strong comeback to the top 10 in Saturday's race, while a violent accident ended his Feature Race prematurely. Fortunately, the Dutch driver escaped unharmed and will be back on track for the Hungarian round.
The Milanese team, based in Ossona, has carefully analyzed the results of the last race weekend and is now aiming to translate the speed shown in Belgium into a concrete result.
The goal is to close the first part of the season with a competitive weekend, capitalizing on every opportunity on a circuit where precision, strategy, and execution often make the difference.
Giacomo Ricci, Trident Motorsport Team Manager: “The Hungaroring is a circuit that requires maximum precision in every aspect. We arrive from Spa knowing we demonstrated a good level of competitiveness. John Bennett demonstrated excellent potential in qualifying, while Laurens Van Hoepen mounted a convincing comeback in the race. We have worked carefully with our drivers to prepare as best we can, and we want to approach this final event before the summer break with the goal of having a competitive weekend.”
Track action in the FIA Formula 2 Championship will begin on Friday at 11:05 a.m. with the 45-minute free practice session. Qualifying is scheduled for the same day, starting at 3:55 PM. The Sprint Race will take place on Saturday at 2:15 PM. The Feature Race, which will conclude the Hungarian weekend, will start on Sunday at 11:25 AM. All track action will be broadcast live on Sky Sport F1.