Formula 2 Returns to Qatar: Exciting Weekend of Racing Awaits
The anticipation is palpable as Formula 2 makes its much-awaited return to Qatar for a thrilling weekend of racing. This event marks the first of two crucial rounds that could determine the championship outcome. Alongside Formula 2, the Super Formula Lights series at Motegi and the Formula Trophy in Dubai will also showcase their talents on the racetrack. Here’s a comprehensive preview of this weekend’s racing action in these feeder series.
Formula 2: A Look Ahead to Lusail
Circuit Overview
The Lusail International Circuit, stretching 5.419 kilometers, serves as the battleground for the Formula 2 competitors this weekend. This track is known for its challenging layout and has hosted some memorable moments in motorsport history.
Race Schedule
All times are local (UTC+3):
Friday, November 28
- 14:05–14:50: Practice
- 19:10–19:40: Qualifying
Saturday, November 29
- 19:20–20:05: Sprint Race (23 laps)
- Sunday, November 30
- 15:00–16:00: Feature Race (32 laps)
Fans can catch all the action live on F1 TV, and live timing updates will be available through the series’ official platforms.
Championship Picture
As the season draws to a close, Formula 2 finds itself in a position where the championship remains highly competitive. Leonardo Fornaroli currently leads the standings with 188 points, but with only two rounds left, he faces the challenge of extending his lead. To secure the championship this weekend, he must increase his current advantage of 19 points to 40 by the end of the race in Qatar, a daunting yet achievable task.
Jak Crawford and Luke Browning are trailing closely behind with 169 and 161 points, respectively. Richard Verschoor and Alex Dunne are also in the running but face a significant uphill battle, sitting at 151 and 130 points. Given that there are still 78 points available across the remaining races, the fight for the title is far from over.
Pepe Martí, who has been a notable contender, will not participate in the last two rounds as he prepares for the upcoming Formula E season. In his absence, Nikola Tsolov has stepped in to race for Campos Racing, marking one of several driver changes this season.
Notable Drivers and Storylines
The return to Qatar not only brings the tension of the championship battle but also the excitement of fresh faces and returning talent. Drivers like Martinius Stenshorne, who made a remarkable debut at Baku, are now transitioning teams, which adds an element of unpredictability to the race.
Fornaroli’s consistent performances have put him in a strong position, but his rivals are eager to capitalize on any mistakes. Fans will also be keen to see how the new entrants fare against seasoned competitors, setting the stage for a weekend filled with drama and excitement.
Super Formula Lights: Final Round at Motegi
Circuit Overview
The Mobility Resort Motegi, a 4.801-kilometer track, will host the final round of the Super Formula Lights season. This circuit is known for its technical corners and elevation changes, providing an exciting challenge for the drivers.
Race Schedule
All times are local (UTC+9):
Thursday, November 27
- 9:00–11:00: Practice 1
- 14:00–16:00: Practice 2
Friday, November 28
- 8:30–10:00: Practice 3
- 12:55–14:25: Practice 4
Saturday, November 29
- 8:50–9:00: Qualifying 1
- 9:10–9:20: Qualifying 2
- 14:10–14:40: Race 1
- Sunday, November 30
- 9:05–9:35: Race 2
- 13:30–14:10: Race 3
Fans can follow all the action through the official Super Formula Lights YouTube channel, which will feature live streaming and live timing updates.
Championship Summary
The championship was clinched by Yuto Nomura at Fuji, where he showcased his dominance by winning multiple races. With the title already decided, the focus for many drivers now shifts to future opportunities, including potential moves to higher series like Super Formula.
Rikuto Kobayashi and Yusuke Mitsui also made headlines with their impressive performances at Fuji, with Kobayashi earning his first victory of the season. The landscape of driver lineups is changing, with several drivers eyeing transitions to more competitive environments next season.
Emerging Talents
This weekend’s event will also see the debut of new talents such as Hiyu Yamakoshi, who is stepping into the single-seater arena after a successful stint in Formula Regional Europe. The inclusion of new drivers and teams adds excitement and unpredictability to the weekend’s races, as they aim to make their mark in the highly competitive field.
Formula Trophy: Exciting Debut in Dubai
Circuit Overview
The Dubai Autodrome, covering 5.390 kilometers, will set the stage for the opening round of the Formula Trophy. This event marks a rebranding from its previous iteration as the F4 UAE Trophy, bringing new teams and a fresh format to the championship.
Race Schedule
All times are local (UTC+4):
Friday, November 28
- 11:45–12:45: Test Session 1
- 14:00–15:00: Test Session 2
- 16:30–17:30: Test Session 3
Saturday, November 29
- 12:10–12:25: Qualifying 1
- 12:35–12:50: Qualifying 2
- 16:30–16:55: Race 1
- Sunday, November 30
- 9:05–9:30: Race 2
- 12:50–13:15: Race 3
Fans can catch all the races live on the official Formula 4 Middle East YouTube channel.
Championship Overview
The inaugural round of the rebranded Formula Trophy promises to deliver thrilling racing action with a record number of participants. The switch to Pirelli tires aligns the series more closely with Formula 1 and its support events, enhancing the overall experience for drivers and teams alike.
New teams such as Akcel GP and Black Blade Racing are stepping into the fray, adding depth to the competition. Established teams like Prema Racing and Evans GP are also back, with hopes of continuing their success from previous seasons.
Key Competitors
Among the returning drivers, Adam Al Azhari from Yas Heat Racing stands out as the top full-season returnee. His experience will be invaluable as he navigates the challenges presented by the new competition.
With three races scheduled for the opening weekend, the stakes are high for all teams as they look to establish themselves early in the season. The combination of new names and familiar faces sets the stage for an exhilarating start to the championship.
Conclusion
This weekend promises to be a thrilling spectacle for motorsport fans as Formula 2, Super Formula Lights, and the Formula Trophy take to the tracks in Qatar, Motegi, and Dubai, respectively. Each series features intense championship battles, emerging talents, and a host of storylines that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. With live coverage available across multiple platforms, fans can immerse themselves in the excitement and drama of junior single-seater racing.
