Qualifying
Christian and Nikola set the 4th and 8th fastest laptime in their qualifying group before receiving a penalty, along with twelve other drivers, for traffic management.
A sensor cut short Laurens’ Free Practice session. In Qualifying he was unable to avoid a slow-moving car on the racing line, breaking his wing and suspension. Without a timed lap, he started 29th in both races.
Sprint Race
Due to a mechanical issue on the grid resulting in an extra formation lap, Christian had to start from the pits, dropping from 9th to last position. He fought his way back into the top 20 but suffered a puncture while overtaking another car.
Starting 19th on the grid, Niko had a strong initial pace, but was involved in several collisions beyond his control, preventing him from climbing the ranks.
P29 on the grid, Laurens avoided any major issues and was able to capitalize on his car’s potential, finishing close to the points after moving up 16 positions.
Feature Race
While approaching the top 10, Nikola lost several positions and damaged his car while avoiding a competitor who was blocking the track. He finished P17.
From 29th to 8th, Laurens made another impressive comeback to score 4 points.
Christian fought tooth and nail to climb from 8th to 3rd, despite breaking his wing early in the race. He lost the podium in the final meters of the race but regained 3rd position after a competitor’s disqualification. He scored 15 points and took 5th place in the drivers’ championship.
Christian Mansell:
“Our free practice and qualifying sessions were exciting, with a lap time less than a tenth off pole position, even though I was hindered in the Ascari chicane. But, a penalty, an electrical issue at the start of the Sprint, an unavoidable collision, and a puncture turned a promising race into a disaster. Sunday was the opposite, with a fantastic car that allowed me to overtake many guys despite significant wing damage that slowed me down. The race was great, I gave it my all to reach the podium, but I’m happy to finish 5th in the championship.”
Sébastien Philippe:
“The team had a very good season and made a spectacular turnaround in less than a year to the point that Christian could mathematically win the title at this final event, and Niko is the driver who has led the most laps. Until Saturday, everything that could go wrong did: qualifying ruined by traffic, mechanical issues, and collisions. But Laurens’ fabulous comebacks, the pace of our three drivers, and Christian’s incredible race on Sunday are exemplary and allow us to end the year on a high note with 3rd place in the team championship, 5th in the drivers’ standings, and 170 more points than in 2023.”
Copyright : Formula Motorsport Limited
