Fornaroli raring to get going in Monza one year on from F3 title triumph

Leonardo Fornaroli arrives in Monza and Round 11 as the leader of the FIA Formula 2 Drivers’ Championship and full of confidence following three race wins prior to the summer break.

The scene of his title victory back in FIA Formula 3 one year ago, Monza holds plenty of strong memories for the Invicta Racing driver, and ahead of the weekend getting underway, he spoke about how pleased he was to return to racing in Italy.

“Really good to be back racing, especially in Monza. It’s a special track for me, I love the atmosphere, the track, everything. Hopefully we’ll have a good weekend, and I can’t wait to get going again.

“When I was doing the track walk at Parabolica, I was thinking about the overtake. It was a special moment. I have felt so many emotions here at this track, some very good like last year’s title win, my first front row in Formula 4 and first podium too.

“But I’ve also got some bad ones, but still, that’s why Monza is special for me. Hopefully we can create some more good memories this weekend.”

Having experienced a somewhat barren spell from the top step of the podium, Fornaroli snapped that streak in Silverstone, added another win in Spa and took a maiden Feature Race win in Budapest last time out.

Looking ahead to the task ahead of him and the team this weekend, the Drivers’ Championship leader said that Qualifying will be critical, despite the long straights and two long DRS zones providing overtaking opportunities.

He added that executing a clean lap will be vital, though Invicta have prior form around Monza from unfancied grid positions, with Gabriel Bortoleto victorious from last on the grid in 2024’s Feature Race.

“It will be very important to have a nice tow in Qualifying and to be at the front to try and have two good races.

“Overall, you need a clean lap without any mistakes because the gaps are very close here. Any small mistake can cost a lot of laptime. In the Sprint Race, depending on how you start, you need to manage everything and that should help you for the Feature Race.

“I’m feeling very good at the moment, I know the potential is very high. Last year with Gabriel, they won from last on the grid. Also, I’ve always been competitive here so I’m confidence we can have a good weekend here.”