Maloney wins first sprint race of F2’s new era from eighth · RaceFans

Sauber junior driver Zane Maloney rose from eighth on the grid to grab the first win in Formula 2’s new chassis.

The Rodin driver made his way to the front of the field to claim victory by over five seconds from pole-winner Jak Crawford.

Maloney therefore began his second year in Formula 2 with his first victory in the category. Crawford, another second year driver and like Maloney a former Red Bull junior, took his highest finish since winning at the Red Bull Ring last year.

Josep Maria Marti claimed the final podium position in third following a late battle with Campos team mate Isack Hadjar who suffered from his soft tyres fading in the final laps.

Behind the two Campos drivers was Paul Aron in fifth and reigning Formula 3 champion and McLaren junior Gabriel Borteloto sixth in his first F2 start. Williams junior Zak O’Sullivan was seventh, with Dennis Hauger completing the points finishers in eighth.

After qualifying down in 17th and 18th, the two Prema drivers Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Oliver Bearman started on the hard tyres before switching to the softs during the race. Antonelli finished his first F2 start in 14th, which Bearman finished two places behind in 16th.

There were three retirements from the race. Roman Stanek and Taylor Barnard pulled into the pits in the closing laps, while Amaury Cordeel retired from the opening lap following contact with Rafael Villagomez at turn four.

After Kush Maini’s disqualification from Thursday’s qualifying results, Bortoleto will start tomorrow’s first feature race of the season from pole.

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