Dino Beganovic and Leonardo Fornaroli: Preparing for the Challenge at Spa-Francorchamps

Dino Beganovic, a promising driver in the Formula 2 circuit, has experienced a challenging rookie season. With only four points finishes to his name before his recent noteworthy performance at Silverstone, where he claimed a fourth-place finish in the feature race, Beganovic is eager to showcase his skills at the upcoming round at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. Alongside him, Leonardo Fornaroli from Invicta Racing is also preparing for this exciting event.

Beganovic’s Journey in Formula 2

Having previously participated in a two-round stint with DAMS at the end of 2024, where he secured a podium and additional points finishes, Beganovic entered the 2025 season with high expectations. Currently, he finds himself in the 10th position in the standings, accumulating a total of 43 points. Throughout this season, the 21-year-old driver has managed to reach the podium twice, specifically in Sakhir and Imola, although his third-place finish in Imola remains the only points-scoring finish during a challenging stretch of nine races that began with the Jeddah sprint and extended to the Spielberg sprint.

Recently, however, Beganovic’s performance has shown signs of improvement. This upward trend started at Spielberg, where he climbed from 21st on the grid to finish ninth in the feature race. His strong showing at Silverstone, where he and his Hitech teammate Luke Browning displayed impressive skills in a wet feature race, resulted in them finishing third and fourth respectively, collectively earning a remarkable 27 points. This success has fueled Beganovic’s confidence, especially with rain predicted for the upcoming Spa weekend.

“Silverstone was a strong outing for both of us,” Beganovic shared in a pre-event virtual media roundtable with Feeder Series. “Even with our different setups, we had a positive experience. Given the forecast for rain this weekend, I feel more confident after our performance at Silverstone. Additionally, looking back at Paul Aron’s success last year in securing pole position, we believe we can perform well in any conditions this weekend.”

The Challenge of Spa-Francorchamps

The weather conditions in the Ardennes region present a unique challenge for all drivers. Beganovic acknowledges that the unpredictable nature of the weather can significantly impact race strategies and outcomes. “In Spa, the weather can switch between wet and dry rapidly, which plays a crucial role in the race. I see it as both an opportunity and a challenge,” he remarked.

The Formula 2 calendar is notoriously demanding, and while there has been a two-week break since the last round at Silverstone, the upcoming round at the Hungaroring follows immediately after Spa. Except for the season opener in Melbourne, all F2 rounds this year have been closely packed, often occurring on consecutive weekends.

“I honestly don’t know how we manage it!” Beganovic chuckled. “It involves a lot of traveling, especially when you have to arrange flights and accommodations on your own. It requires meticulous planning, which isn’t my forte, but I’ve become accustomed to the logistics and the travel.”

Beganovic emphasizes the importance of managing energy during these travels. “When we have back-to-back races, it’s crucial to strategize how to conserve energy while on the move. I’ve developed a system for managing this, particularly when traveling from Italy to the UK and back multiple times for simulator sessions and then to the track again. It can be exhausting, but I try to make the journey comfortable by watching some good series on Netflix to unwind.”

Fornaroli’s Approach to Race Preparation

Leonardo Fornaroli, another talented rookie in Formula 2, shared insights into how he prepares for races depending on the schedule. “Our routine usually involves one or two days of simulator training before each race weekend,” Fornaroli explained. “If we have a bit more time, we schedule this for the week leading up to the race. However, during double-header weekends or consecutive races, we typically do simulator work on Wednesday before traveling to the race that evening.”

In addition to simulator sessions, Fornaroli and his team also collaborate with AVL, a renowned vehicle dynamics firm based in Austria. This partnership has been instrumental in car development and has intensified this season to include gearbox advancements, enhancing their competitive edge.

“As we gear up for the upcoming races, our collaboration with AVL in Graz has been pivotal in refining our car’s performance,” he added. Fornaroli currently stands fourth in the F2 standings, with six rounds left in the season, showcasing his potential in this high-stakes environment.

The Competitive Landscape of Formula 2

The upcoming rounds at Spa and Hungary hold significant importance in the championship race. With only 24 points separating the top five drivers, every performance counts. Richard Verschoor currently leads the standings with 122 points, followed closely by Jak Crawford at 116 points, who recently triumphed in the Silverstone feature race. Alex Dunne sits in third place with 108 points, while Fornaroli is in fourth with 104 points, and Browning trails closely in fifth with 98 points.

The fierce competition among these top drivers means that every race weekend is critical. As the season progresses, strategies will evolve, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions will be a vital skill for each competitor.

Embracing the Challenge Ahead

As the F2 teams and drivers prepare for the unique challenges presented by Spa-Francorchamps, both Beganovic and Fornaroli are focused on maximizing their performance. The unpredictable weather, the demanding race schedule, and the competitive nature of the championship all contribute to the excitement of the upcoming race weekend.

With confidence stemming from their recent performances and thorough preparation, both drivers are ready to face the challenges that await them at one of the most iconic tracks in motorsport. As they gear up for the race, the anticipation builds not only for them but for their teams and fans alike, eager to witness how the weekend unfolds in the beautiful yet unpredictable environment of Spa.

In the world of Formula 2, where every point is crucial and each race can alter the championship landscape, the determination of the drivers to excel is palpable. As they take to the track, the spirit of competition will be on full display, making for an exhilarating experience for everyone involved.