Bruno Michel’s Double-Header Debrief: Intrigue heading into Round 9

Another two rounds are in the books, and the complexion of the Drivers’ Championship fight has taken another twist.

Spielberg and Silverstone put on two different kinds of races, and FIA Formula 2 CEO Bruno Michel dissects the action and gives his views on what we saw across Rounds 7 and 8.

FP1s CONTINUE FOR YOUNG CHARGERS

“Firstly, Alex Dunne had an amazing result in FP1 on Friday in Spielberg. It’s always a great pleasure to see that, that’s what we’re here for – preparing young drivers for F1.

“It’s always fantastic when you see a young driver jumping in a F1 car during a Grand Prix for Free Practice and being immediately spot on - which is always difficult because you can’t crash the car, and you can’t push as much as you want, not being used to it.

“I told him that everybody’s talking about him in the Formula 1 paddock and I think that’s the way it should be, so we’re really happy to see that.

“At Silverstone, our youngest driver on the F2 grid Arvid Lindblad got the opportunity to jump into the Red Bull car, and I think he did a really great job, too. He was against Max Verstappen and was close to the Dutch Champion in terms of laptimes. We must not forget that it was Lindblad’s first time in that car.

“Overall, it's great to see the young drivers getting a chance with Formula 1 teams. It shows that they are placing their trust in their junior drivers who are learning what they need to and being prepared correctly in Formula 2. Long may it continue.”

A MATTER OF TIME

“I am so happy for Leonardo Fornaroli, who secured his first F2 victory at Silverstone with a great drive in the Sprint Race to earn the win. He might have lost the lead at the start, but the way he re-took it was very impressive, and he was driving at the top of his game.

“Also, Spielberg marked Fornaroli’s second time on pole position this year, which proves if need be that he is a fast driver. He showed it in F3 last year, too.

“He had been missing a win for a while, and I’m sure that frustrated him and weighed heavy on the shoulders. But he had a great weekend in Silverstone and was fully deserving of his maiden win. It will be interesting to see whether he is able to follow it up with another victory soon, maybe in a Feature Race.”

READ MORE: Back on the top step: Leonardo Fornaroli’s Silverstone Debrief

PURE SPECTACLE

“Championship leader Richard Verschoor had an amazing race on Sunday in Spielberg, and he was really flying. Alex Dunne also had a great race, and we had a few drivers that had a very strong comeback, like Jak Crawford who came from nowhere, as did Luke Browning.

“I think the race on Sunday at the Red Bull Ring was absolutely amazing. We had compliments from the F1 paddock saying that it was really pure racing, and that’s what we want to see.

“Silverstone Feature was the same – Crawford and Dunne were fighting close as the track dried and Browning in particular put in a great drive to make it to the podium from P12. He was really shining in the rain and made up for a disappointing Qualifying result.

“It's amazing when you have these kinds of fights for the podium, for first, second and third positions, with the degradation and the tyre management the drivers need to have – Pirelli has done a great job as usual. Everyone’s happy to see that and I think the drivers are really enjoying themselves right now.”

TITLE FIGHT KEEPING EVERYONE GUESSING

“Verschoor is having a great Championship so far, even if he had a tougher time last week at Silverstone. Between him, Dunne, Crawford, Browning, Fornaroli and Lindblad, any one of them could take the lead before the summer break.

“It’s a very interesting Championship and I think for these young drivers to be able to compare themselves with Richard, with his experience, and the fact he’s probably driving better than he’s ever done, it’s really great, but also important as he is this season’s benchmark.

“For now, everyone needs to recharge and get ready for the next double-header before the summer break. See you in Spa!”