Armstrong opens his counter in 2022, Pourchaire misses the boat

After waiting almost 2 entire seasons to sign a victory in Formula 2, Marcus Armstrong (Hitech GP) only took 5 races this year to climb to the top of the podium. The New Zealander took part in the Sprint Race this Saturday on the Imola track.

With the 9^e Only in qualifying, Marcus Armstrong had every reason in the world to take advantage of this Sprint Race to get back in the saddle. It's done. Well helped by the reverse grid system which made it start from 2^e position, the Kiwi quickly put all the chances on his side.

A better reaction than the “poleman” Logan sargeant (Carlin) at the time of the starting signal, the former member of the Ferrari Driver Academy took the lead from the first corner. If the safety car (intervened after the collision between Clément Novalak and David Beckmann) regrouped the peloton and forced them to restart the pack, the New Zealander did not give in to the pressure put on by the Prema drivers , Jehan Daruvala and Dennis Hauger.

A time threatened at mid-race, Marcus Armstrong showed solidity at the key moment to resist Jehan Daruvala. Protected from any attack from the Indian, the one who defended the colors of DAMS in 2021 was then able to free himself to get his 2^e victory in F2, the first since Jeddah last December, in front of the representatives of Prema.

Pourchaire misses a great opportunity

With a 4th position on the grid, Theo Pourchaire could hope to join the battle for the podium and why not for the victory. In the end, nothing went his way. Still struggling at the start, the ART Grand Prix driver remained glued to his position and quickly fell in the standings.

In difficulty in the middle of the peloton, Théo Pourchaire was unable to do anything to catch up and thus try to glean a few precious points after his nightmare weekend in Saudi Arabia last March. Dropped by the drivers in front of him and threatened at the rear, the Frenchman finished in a discreet 7th position which gave him two small units. Little is better than nothing.