Stanek hails ‘incredible’ Budapest weekend for Invicta Racing

Roman Stanek was delighted to play his part in a special weekend for Invicta Racing in Budapest, as the team achieved a one-two in both Qualifying and the Feature Race.

The Czech driver went to the Hungaroring fresh from inheriting a victory at the Spa-Francorchamps Feature Race, and continued that fine form into Round 10.

READ MORE: Chasing the Dream Season 7 Episode 10 – Out Today

Stanek beat Leonardo Fornaroli to pole on Friday, a 1:28.779 good enough to take his first ever Formula 2 Pole Position ahead of his teammate by 0.146s.

Unfortunately for the 21-year-old, he was spun around in the Sprint Race, and fell to the back of the field, although he fought through the pack to finish in 13th.

This was a sign of the strong pace they would take into the Feature, with Stanek leading the first part of the race, before he was overcut by Fornaroli in the pitstops.

Stanek did his best to reel his teammate in, but was forced to settle for second place, after holding DAMS Lucas Oil driver Jak Crawford in the closing stages.

It means Stanek goes into the summer break, eighth in the Drivers’ Championship with 77 points, and is helping Invicta stay at the top of the Teams’ Standings.

GALLERY: Some of the best images from Round 10 in Budapest

Reflecting on it all, Stanek said: “Incredible weekend for the team. I am really happy for them because they have been working hard, and my engineer has been doing a great job.

“Unfortunately, on Sunday we were not able to fight for the win. Leo was just better and quicker and he did a better job I guess, but P2 is still a lot of points and we maximised what we could today.”

It was not the easiest weekends for Stanek as he had to contend with health issues on all three days. However, he was pleased to come through it all, believing he got the most from his trip to Budapest.

“Also, with Qualifying, getting pole position, the first pole in F2 after two years,” he said.

BUDAPEST QUALIFYING ANALYSIS: How Stanek differed from Fornaroli to take pole?

“But I was a bit scared about my health issues because obviously I had a high fever, but I managed to maximise the best out of the weekend.”

Stanek, his Invicta team, and the rest of the paddock will head off for their summer break, before going to Monza for Round 11.