Interview
Ricci hails Bennett Sprint performance as TRIDENT continues to show F2 progress
TRIDENT secured their first race victory since the 2024 season as John Bennett took to the top step for the first time in the Championship.
The Briton put in a mature drive en route to victory, taking the lead from the front row and not panicking when he lost out to Sébastian Montoya.
Instead, Bennett measured out the grip from his Pirelli rubber expertly, using just enough to keep up with the PREMA Racing driver but holding onto the best of his tyres for the end.
For Team Manager Giacomo Ricci, it was a great display and one he was very impressed with as he explained post-race.
"He did a great job. The start was brilliant, he took the lead and even when he passed Montoya, he was able to always stay in the race, keep calm through the full race and the car was there for him," Ricci said.
"He managed the tyres very well and in the last two laps, Montoya started to struggle a lot, so we were able to get closer. Then on the last lap he did a brilliant move, took the lead and won the race, so really pleased with this result.
"John put a massive effort into this season and of course this result brings positivity to him. I'm sure that now he knows more than ever that he can do it, and I'm really looking forward to tomorrow's race and for the coming rounds also."
It marked Bennett's first visit to the F2 podium and came off the back of his second-best Qualifying result of the season following a P7 in Montreal.
Ricci says that it was a result he deserved following other missed opportunities and further showcased the step forward the Italian outfit has made following a tough 2025 campaign.
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"I have to say he fully deserves this result. He had a couple of opportunities previously in some other races, I think about Monte Carlo which was good, and he made a mistake.
"On another occasion we made a mistake as a team and now finally, he's been able to achieve his first podium in F2 and with a great victory too. So I am extremely pleased for the team and for him."
"This one is a big plus for us. I mean last year especially was a tough, tough season. wWe worked very hard this winter during the post-season tests last year and we definitely took a step forward.
"The car is performing well, and so far, I have to say that every circuit we've been to, we've been competitive and definitely it's a massive step forward.
"I think Laurens with what he's been able to show this year, could be even higher in the classification, but again the championship is still extremely long so we have to be focused and try to score as many points as possible every race week."
Looking ahead to the final race of the weekend, Ricci is hopeful the team can showcase their pace once more in a Feature Race where tyre management will yet again play an important role.
The target is clear for both of his drivers: points are on the table. Both Bennett and teammate Laurens van Hoepen will be eager to add to their tallies and to capitalise on the good form the team finds itself in.
"I think with a good start, hopefully we will stay out of trouble. Again, the target is to try to finish in the top 10 positions and for me, the target is to score points.
"Tomorrow with the Feature Race, any and everything is possible. Today he had brilliant pace, tomorrow we will have also the pit stop in place so let's see.
"We know that F2 is a championship where anything can happen. So let's hope to be on the right side and to be able also to take all the opportunities that come our way."