Antonelli aiming to capitalise on promising Sprint pace at Spa-Francorchamps

27 July 2024

It was a shortened Sprint but nonetheless, Andrea Kimi Antonelli starred throughout, ending up sixth at the chequered flag and just missing out on points.

The PREMA Racing driver was on the attack from the word go and was in a good mood after the delays and a race in which he wasn’t rewarded with a scoring result.

“It was a very long day, unfortunately. With the weather, there was a lot of water. The first time was a good call to postpone because it was really difficult to see.

“On the second one I think we could’ve still raced because the rain was not too bad but, in the end, they chose safety just to avoid any problems. I fully respect the decision because the weather was getting worse, so the visibility would’ve been bad. It’s good to choose safety first.

“On my side, I did one push. After the overtake, I was ready to build up the pace and it felt very strong. Just a pity on that but we have tomorrow to do well also.”

There was one clear stand out moment from his race however. His overtake on Franco Colapinto into Eau Rouge for sixth position was immensely brave and an overtake Antonelli says he had to make at that point.

Antonelli was flying in the wet and making moves wherever he could

The commitment was never a question says the Italian, who believed that after getting alongside the MP Motorsport driver going into the corner that completion of the pass wasn’t in doubt.

“I knew it was the moment to go for it. It’s not the safest place of course. It was really close between us, and we touched before turning into Eau Rouge. I knew once I made the left kink I would stay in front.

“I also knew it was the moment to make the move because the pace was strong and I was losing time behind, so I just had to go for it, and it worked out. It was a good move. Unfortunately, then it was a Virtual Safety Car.

Ahead of Sunday’s Feature Race, the Mercedes Junior Team talent is feeling positive about his and his team’s chances of another strong showing.

READ MORE: Round 10 Post Sprint Race Press Conference The 17-year-old noted that his victory in the Sprint at Silverstone was a breakthrough moment, and adding to that in Budapest with Feature Race victory last time out was another confidence-boosting race that has him feeling stronger than ever at this stage of the campaign.

“The win has definitely helped me on the mental side, released some of the pressure. I’m driving way more naturally with a freer mind, so the win has helped a lot. I think I made a step after Silverstone in terms of my driving, and we keep developing. It doesn’t stop here.

“Tomorrow in the Feature Race – we’ll see how the weather is first. It says it’s meant to be sunny but at Spa you never know. I think our pace on dries isn’t so bad. I think it’s quite strong so starting from P5, it’s a good position, we can play with the strategy, and I think we can get a good result.”