Leonardo Fornaroli Claims Victory in F2 Sprint Race at Spa-Francorchamps

On Saturday, the 26th of August, 2025, the Italian driver Leonardo Fornaroli secured an impressive victory in the Sprint Race of the ninth round of the Formula 2 season, held at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium. Fornaroli, who drives for Invicta and is the reigning champion of Formula 3, took the lead right from the start and dominated the 18 laps of the race, marking his second win of the season.

Race Overview

Fornaroli’s performance was nothing short of remarkable as he did not give his competitors any opportunities to challenge him throughout the race. The Spa-Francorchamps circuit, known for its challenging layout and scenic beauty, provided a dramatic backdrop for the event. With a total length of 7,004 meters, the track is famous for its elevation changes and technical corners, making it a favorite among drivers and fans alike.

Victor Martins from ART Grand Prix finished in second place. Despite his best efforts, he was unable to mount a serious challenge against Fornaroli in the final laps. Gabriele Mini, driving for Prema, rounded out the podium in third place, delivering a solid performance. Oliver Goethe from MP Motorsport finished in fourth position, followed closely by Josep María Martí from Campos Racing, who completed the top five.

Roman Stanek, also representing Invicta, finished the race in sixth place. He was followed by Alexander Dunne, who secured seventh place with Rodin. Ritomo Miyata managed to clinch the eighth position while driving for ART Grand Prix. Arvid Lindblad experienced a setback during a pit stop when the Safety Car was deployed but managed to finish ninth with Campos Racing. Finally, John Bennett from Van Amersfoort completed the top ten.

Key Moments in the Race

The race was marked by several key moments and incidents. Early in the first lap, a collision occurred when Richard Verschoor made contact with both Luke Browning and Jak Crawford. This incident resulted in Browning and Crawford leaving the track and ending up in the gravel before the steep ascent to Eau Rouge. Verschoor, driving for MP Motorsport, spun out a few moments later. Initially, a Virtual Safety Car was deployed, but this was soon followed by the actual Safety Car coming onto the track. Notably, only Crawford was able to continue in the race after the incident.

As the race progressed to lap 12, Victor Martins began to mount an attack on Amaury Cordeel for second place and successfully overtook him. However, during the maneuver, Martins made contact with Cordeel, resulting in damage to his suspension. Cordeel found himself stuck in the gravel, prompting another deployment of the Safety Car on the Belgian circuit. Despite the incident, Martins continued to fight for position in the race.

The situation escalated further on lap 17 when another Safety Car was called due to Sami Meguetounif encountering a problem that forced him to stop on the track. The combination of these incidents added layers of excitement and unpredictability to the race.

Strategy and Pit Stops

The Sprint Race at Spa-Francorchamps also featured an unusual round of pit stops during a neutralization phase. Most drivers, with the exception of Fornaroli, Martins, Mini, Goethe, and Cian Shields, opted to switch to soft tires for the final laps. This strategic decision, however, did not yield the expected benefits, especially due to the intervention of the Safety Car in the penultimate lap, which significantly impacted tire performance and race dynamics.

The decisions made during the race, particularly regarding tire strategy and timing of pit stops, played a crucial role in determining the final outcomes for many drivers. The challenge of navigating the changing conditions of the track, combined with the strategic deployment of safety measures, kept both drivers and teams on their toes.

Looking Ahead

As the Formula 2 series wraps up its visit to Belgium, attention now turns to the main race scheduled for Sunday, the 27th of August, starting at 5 AM. The anticipation surrounding this event is palpable, with teams and drivers eager to showcase their skills on one of the most storied racetracks in the world. The main race will provide another opportunity for competitors to stake their claim on the championship and demonstrate their prowess in front of enthusiastic fans.

The performances at Spa-Francorchamps serve as a reminder of the high stakes and intense competition that define the world of Formula 2 racing. With each race, drivers not only showcase their talent but also contribute to the rich history of motorsport.

The excitement of the Sprint Race, highlighted by Fornaroli’s commanding victory, sets the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating main event. Fans and participants alike are eager to see how the strategies will evolve and who will emerge victorious in the next installment of this thrilling racing season.

This weekend’s events are more than just a series of races; they are a celebration of speed, skill, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the world of motorsport. As the teams prepare for the challenges ahead, the spirit of competition continues to ignite passion and inspire the next generation of racing enthusiasts.