A ‘strong Relationship’ with HWA can be the difference maker for Nannini in debut season

HWA RACELAB rookie Matteo Nannini says he’s been “training more than ever” in preparation for his Formula 2 debut with the German team, recognising the step-up in standard between F2 and Formula 3.

Just 17-years-old, Nannini is well aware that there’s a lot for him to learn on track and he wants to be in prime physical conditions so that he can focus on getting to grips with it.

“Training is very important,” he explained. “Especially in the neck, that’s the most important part I’d say. I have been training really hard to make sure that I am ready. I have a simulator at home as well which has been really helpful.

“Just being in F2 will be a huge jump. You have got 22 of the best young drivers in the world. Being there alone is something that I am excited by and I want to prove that I deserve to be there.

“It will be challenging, I know this. I think race management will be the biggest challenge for me, so my aim is to try and focus mostly on the races. The addition of pit stops will be a big difference and I will have to get used to that. Then there is the tyre management element with the 18-inch Pirellis.”

The Italian – who is the nephew of former Formula 1 driver Alessandro Nannini - only debuted in F3 last year, scoring one podium for Jenzer Motorsport, but he piqued the interest of HWA’s F2 team with his gradual improvement throughout the season.

The German has opted to move for the Italian driver, whose motive in F2 will be similar to that of 2020.

“It will be harder in F2, but I am hoping for a similar season to my first one in F3,” he explained, “a season where I learn a lot and then finish strongly, with some good results towards the end of the year.

“I am really excited to be competing in F2, but it will be tough because it’s my rookie season. I am ready to work with the team and I think we can achieve good results if we work in the right way.

“Having a strong relationship with the team will be important because we saw last year that it is not always the fastest on track who wins the race: strategy and tyre management can play a huge part.”