Round 13 Post-Feature Race Press Conference

FIA Formula 2: Welcome back to Lusail where it’s time for the post-race press conference with our top three finishers from today’s FIA Formula 2 Feature Race. In third place, Alexander Dunne of Rodin Motorsport. Second place, Leonardo Fornaroli for Invicta Racing and in first place, Victor Martins for ART Grand Prix. Victor, congratulations, back on the top step and you looked like you had it under control despite race-long pressure. Talks us through it.

Victor Martins: Definitely a relief. It’s been a long season. We have been waiting for that to happen. We were always up there, trying to get it done earlier this season. I think this weekend, we felt we had it on the table. Then it was all a matter of putting everything together. Today, from start to finish, everything was under control. On my side, on the team side, communication was, was on point. I think we just delivered the job that we needed to do to get this win. But definitely, it feels good to be back on the top step. I think the pace was great. All race I just needed to manage the pace with the guys on the opposite strategy, but definitely on the Softs, we were flying and then on the Hards, it was just a matter of managing the traffic. But in the end, I managed my race, and we got it done.

FIA Formula 2: Well congratulations on the win. Leonardo Fornaroli, FIA Formula 2 Champion. What a season, P2 in the end today, but I’m sure it’s the best P2 feels nice?

Leonardo Fornaroli: Yes, it was a hard race. I got anti-stall starting on the formation lap which was quite scary. Luckily, the anti-stall worked. So, we went a bit too safe with the clutch for the start. Victor just had a much better start than me, and he passed me. His pace was very nice on the Option, while I struggled a bit more compared to him. But then, when we went to the Prime, the pace was like yesterday, so quite good. I was able to catch him a little bit, but then I couldn't get in the DRS zone, and then I knew I had to get crucial points to win the Championship or get points to arrive in Abu Dhabi well. A bit disappointed to not have taken the win, but we took the Championship, so I'm feeling a bit better.

FIA Formula 2: Alex, coming to you. P3 for you after starting from fifth and you had to pull off some good overtakes in that race. Happy in the end with a podium?

Alexander Dunne: I'm a bit in two minds. I think the first 10 seconds after the race, I was extremely happy, because for the last five laps of the race, my engineer was telling me the gap to the cars behind, and I was pushing 110% for the last five laps to try and get a five second gap to stay on the podium. But then I think once I calmed down again, I realised that the Championship was done. And I think then, of course, I was a little bit disappointed, but Leo's done a very good job this year, and he fully deserves it. So well done to him. But yeah, I think it was a strong race. I think the penalty made it a bit more difficult. But to be honest, I said to our Team Manager, who does the lollipop, before the race because of where we are in the pit lane, if we're in a position where you need to be aggressive and risk an unsafe release, then just do it, and I'll manage the rest myself, and that's what we did today. In the end, it worked pretty well. So, I think we went out with a fighting attitude and strategy, and I think we executed it well, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough.

FIA Formula 2: Good job today.