Battling penalties and relentless weather, Formula 2 drivers experienced a dramatic and unpredictable weekend at Spa-Francorchamps.
Adverse Weather and Post-Race Penalties Shake Up the Formula 2 Round at Spa-Francorchamps
The 22 Formula 2 drivers faced a challenging weekend at Spa, where adverse weather conditions disrupted the final results. Invicta Racing emerged in brilliant form. The English team claimed two victories in Belgium, moving them to the top of the teams’ standings.
The drivers’ championship standings also saw a shake-up, as Leonardo Fornaroli took the lead from Richard Verschoor. Thanks to a solid weekend, the Italian collected 21 points, leaving Spa with a 3-point advantage.
Though the lead is slim, in a championship where margins are tight, staying in front proves a driver’s ability to capitalise on every opportunity, especially during a weekend as testing as the one in Belgium.
Alex Dunne: From Pole to Penalty
The Irishman showed great pace in Belgium from the outset. After setting the fastest time in free practice and securing pole position by a comfortable margin on Friday, Alex Dunne appeared in full control.
During Saturday’s Sprint Race, he chose a cautious approach, aware that major points were given in Sunday’s Feature Race. He gained three places to finish seventh.
On Sunday, his objective was clear: control the race and secure his third win of the season. Rain threatened to be either his enemy or his ally. While it made driving more difficult, it also hindered overtaking attempts.
In the early laps, he successfully fended off Ritomo Miyata’s attacks before managing a lead over Arvid Lindblad.
However, the race ended prematurely after Sebastian Montoya spun and Oliver Goethe retired, prompting a red flag. Although the Rodin Motorsport driver crossed the line first, his victory was short-lived. The stewards summoned him over an alleged mistake in the startup procedure.
Dunne was handed a 10-second penalty, demoting him from first to ninth. For a moment, Arvid Lindblad appeared to inherit the win. However, all four of his tyres were found to be under pressure, leading to his disqualification.
For Alex Dunne, what could have been the end of a good weekend, one that could have seen him retake the championship lead, ended in disappointment.
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Invicta Racing On Top
Stanek Claims Second Win
The Norfolk-based team emerged as the clear winner of the Belgian round.
Roman Stanek arrived at Spa in fine form, and by Friday had already proven his pace with third place in qualifying. His momentum carried into the weekend, with a sixth-place finish in the Sprint Race followed by a Feature Race victory on Sunday.
In that race, he battled with Ritomo Miyata for second place and took advantage when the Japanese driver momentarily lost control. However, a quicker Lindblad caught and passed him, demoting Stanek to third, which was still a great result, and marked his third consecutive podium in the last three rounds.
Later, though, his team informed him that two drivers ahead had been penalised. Consequently, he inherited the win, his first of the season and second in Formula 2.
Back-to-Back Sprint Wins for Fornaroli
On Saturday, Invicta Racing celebrated Leonardo Fornaroli’s victory in the Sprint Race, which was uncertain until the final lap. The Italian driver was in control of the race after a great start, where he moved from third to first as the lights went out. He built a solid gap which allowed him to manage his pace, but, three laps from the end, the safety car came out.
This could have changed everything, especially given that 13 of the 22 drivers pitted for fresher tyres, putting the front-runners at risk. Fortunately for him, the advantage of the new tyres failed to make a significant impact, and the leading drivers held their ground.
As a result, Fornaroli secured his second win, following up his success at Silverstone with another impressive performance.
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A New Formula 2 Championship Leader After Spa-Francorchamps
With five rounds and ten races remaining, Leonardo Fornaroli has climbed back to the top of the standings. He previously led after the second round in Bahrain.
Being at the top at this stage offers a different perspective and valuable momentum. Fornaroli has consistently performed at a high level throughout the season, always among the top contenders. Now that he has reached the top step of the podium again, he poses a serious threat to his title rivals.
His lead, however, is just by three points. One race could change everything. Richard Verschoor remains in close pursuit and will be aiming to bounce back strongly in Hungary after a disappointing outing at Spa.
Meanwhile, Jak Crawford and Alex Dunne should not be underestimated. Both have delivered standout performances this season. Elsewhere, Luke Browning has collected the most podiums so far. With only 12 points separating him from Fornaroli, he is well within striking distance.
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Main Photo
- Credit: IMAGO / BSR Agency
- Recording Date: 07/27/2025
