As the excitement builds for Formula 2’s return to Europe this weekend, Sami Meguetounif expressed his enthusiasm for racing at a venue that holds a special place in his heart. The Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, more commonly referred to as Imola, is celebrated as one of the most iconic tracks in the world of motorsport. The French driver has openly praised the circuit, referring to it as an “old-school track” and emphasizing its rich history, which adds to its allure.
Formula 2 has a long-standing relationship with Imola, making its debut there in 2005 when the series was known as GP2. The series returned to the historic Italian venue in 2022 and has since established a consistent presence at this remarkable location. Meguetounif is no stranger to this circuit; he has previously competed in both the Formula Regional European Championship and FIA Formula 3. Notably, he achieved his first F3 victory at Imola last year, a milestone that makes this track even more meaningful for him.
Imola is known for its narrow layout, which presents unique challenges to drivers. Meguetounif commented on the track’s difficulty, stating, “You can be scared to push with the gravel just there waiting for you, but that makes it challenging.” This blend of risk and excitement is something that Meguetounif eagerly anticipates as he prepares to race once more.
In discussing the intricacies of the Imola circuit, Meguetounif shared his insights: “Imola is a very, very difficult track. There are a lot of medium-speed corners and a few high-speed ones. It’s a challenging track with bumps and combined corners, where you arrive in one corner while already needing to start braking for the next.” The absence of runoff areas at Imola means that drivers must navigate the track with precision; one miscalculation can lead to a swift exit onto the gravel. “It’s nice because when you play with the limits, you play in the gravel,” he noted.
The previous year saw a trio of Formula One drivers achieve notable success at Imola. Bortoleto secured pole position, Franco Colapinto triumphed in the Sprint Race, and Isack Hadjar emerged victorious in the Feature Race. Meguetounif is determined to follow in the footsteps of his fellow countrymen and replicate their success. He has already identified key overtaking opportunities on the track, particularly highlighting turn two as “the only place you can overtake without a mistake from the driver ahead.”
So far in the Formula 2 season, Meguetounif has yet to score points, but his performances have shown promise. He finished in the top 15 in both races in Bahrain, indicating that he is making steady progress in his rookie year. With his previous accomplishments at Imola, this upcoming race could be the perfect opportunity for him to achieve his first points finish, especially on a track that carries such personal significance.
As the weekend approaches, anticipation surrounds the return of Formula 2 to Europe. The mixture of history, challenge, and the opportunity for Meguetounif to shine at Imola sets the stage for an exciting race ahead. The young driver remains focused on his goals, ready to make the most of this prestigious venue and carve out his place in the competitive world of motorsport.
