Enzo Fittipaldi was lost for words when asked to describe his Formula 2 debut with Charouz Racing System, saying that back in January he thought there was a “zero per cent” chance of driving in the second tier this season.

The Brazilian was set for a season of Indy Pro 2000 back in America but jumped at a late opening to return to the Formula 3 grid with Charouz. Steady progress followed before he was offered the opportunity to step up to F2 on the back of a maiden F3 podium in Budapest.

“I am extremely happy. I have no words,” said Fittipaldi. “I am very happy to be here, very grateful. After the Formula 3 podium at Budapest, I was able to sort some things out and got an opportunity to race with Charouz in Formula 2, who had given me my chance in Formula 3 at the beginning of the year.

“I am very, very happy to be here. The car felt amazing, and I really enjoyed it. It’s really fun to drive”

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Fittipaldi made his F2 debut for Charouz in practice stepping up from their F3 team
Fittipaldi made his F2 debut for Charouz in practice, stepping up from their F3 team

Tasked with starting on one of the more difficult tracks on the calendar, Fittipaldi said that he was amazed by the speed of his Charouz around Monza.

“I know this track, I did Formula 4 here before and I did FIA F3 here last year,” he continued. “It is a really difficult track, low downforce, with big braking zones, and the car is always moving around a lot.

“It felt like the car wouldn't stop - I had brake points already because I had watched on-boards, but I was like ‘my god, I’m going to have to brake much earlier’ because the car just wasn’t stopping.

“I learned that I really have to smash these carbon brakes, so I’m happy that I’ve learned that. This is the temple of speed, so you’re going really fast. I have never experienced this type of speed before. I'm pretty sure that this was my first time going at 300+kph, so that was fun. I loved it.”

FREE PRACTICE: Ticktum leads Pourchaire in opening session at Monza

Fittipaldi is the brother of HAAS reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi pictured
Fittipaldi is the brother of HAAS reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi (pictured)

Finishing 20th in Free Practice, Fittipaldi’s focus was on getting up to speed ahead of what is set to be a tricky Qualifying session, with the field switching from medium Pirellis to soft.

He continued: “I had a little issue with the brake bias, but we got that sorted after the first run - I kept going straight at Turn 1. We got that sorted, though, and I did a bit of a long stint in the second run.

“The pace looked promising with heavy fuel and old tyres - we were three to four tenths off what the others were doing in their race runs. I am a little bit more focused on Qualifying now as we're going from a medium compound to a soft compound that I have never driven.

“It’s going to be a big challenge, but so far I am really enjoying it. I’ve had some issues here and there, but everything is looking good. I’m looking forward to the next session. I will try and continue to improve and learn as much as possible.”