Roman Staněk: Aiming for Greatness in Formula 2 with Invicta Racing
As Roman Staněk embarks on his third season in Formula 2, he finds himself racing for Invicta Racing, a notable shift from his previous two challenging years with Trident. After three rounds of the 2025 season, the Czech driver is determined to showcase his true potential and make a significant impact in the highly competitive world of Formula 2.
A Promising Start and Mixed Results
Throughout his time in Formula 2, Staněk has occasionally demonstrated his capability to compete with some of the top talents in the series. For instance, his victory in the Melbourne sprint race in 2024 and a commendable third-place qualifying effort at Monza in 2023 highlight his speed and skill. However, out of his 49 race starts, Staněk has often found himself at the lower end of the standings, accumulating a total of 37 points since his debut in March 2023.
During his tenure with Trident, Staněk faced significant challenges, finishing 18th in the championship standings in 2023 and dropping to 22nd in 2024, in part due to not participating in the last three rounds of the season. His earlier experience in Formula 3 with the Italian team in 2022 was more promising; he finished fifth in the championship and was a strong contender for the title until the final round. Over three seasons in F3, he secured six podium finishes and clinched victory in the prestigious Imola feature race in 2022.
A New Chapter with Invicta Racing
Over the winter, Staněk made the crucial decision to join Invicta Racing, the reigning champions of the teams’ standings, with the hope of competing at the front of the grid. He firmly believes that he deserves to be among the top drivers in the series.
In a virtual roundtable discussion prior to the fourth round at Imola, Staněk expressed his feelings regarding his position in the racing community: “As a driver, many people underrate me, unfortunately. I still haven’t been able to show the right speed that I think Invicta and I possess.” This statement reveals his desire to change perceptions and prove his capabilities on the track.
Despite managing to score points in two races so far in 2025, Staněk was left dissatisfied with his finishes of 17th and 12th in the feature races at Bahrain and Jeddah. He currently stands 12th in the drivers’ championship, buoyed by two solid fifth-place finishes in the sprint races at Melbourne and Jeddah. The upcoming series of back-to-back races, starting at Imola and continuing through Monaco and Barcelona, presents an opportunity for Staněk to elevate his performance and make a significant leap in the standings.
Reflecting on his recent experiences, Staněk noted, “There’s always been something, in the races, or with the tire degradation, or with the qualifying in Jeddah, for example. I had very good speed in Jeddah in free practice and also in the first part of qualifying, but unfortunately, I touched the wall. I lost a lot of confidence, and my steering wheel was not straight. I started quite far back.” His candid remarks emphasize the challenges drivers face and the mental fortitude required to overcome setbacks.
The Importance of a Strong Weekend
Staněk believes that a single strong weekend could be pivotal in showcasing his true speed and potential. “I just need one good, clean weekend to show the proper speed,” he stated, highlighting the importance of consistency and confidence in racing.
His first official outing with Invicta took place during the post-season test in Abu Dhabi, where he finished 12th overall. His best lap time of 1:35.992 was impressively close to that of his teammate Leonardo Fornaroli, the reigning Formula 3 champion. This performance indicated that Staněk could indeed compete at a high level within his new team.
“The team has been very supportive,” Staněk remarked about Invicta Racing. He shared an anecdote from his initial test, where his engineer was surprised by his previous year’s performance, saying, “How come you finished P18 in the championship last year?” Staněk responded, “Well, I know!” This exchange underscores the belief that he possesses the talent to perform much better than his past results suggest.
Imola: A Track of Memories and Opportunities
Imola holds special significance for Staněk, who qualified seventh there last year, marking one of his best qualifying results of the season. His victory in Formula 3 at Imola three years ago adds another layer of optimism as he heads into the race weekend. “I have another chance this weekend, and coming here to Imola, my favorite track, a place I know very well since I won here in Formula 3, gives me a good boost,” he stated, exuding confidence as he prepares for the next challenge.
As the championship progresses, veteran driver Richard Verschoor from MP leads the standings with 53 points, closely followed by Campos’ Pepe Martí with 41 points. Despite the stiff competition, Fornaroli has displayed the same speed that propelled Invicta to two championship titles in 2024, currently sitting third in the standings with 40 points, significantly ahead of Staněk.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, Staněk is focused on capitalizing on the opportunities that lie ahead in the season. With races approaching in iconic locations like Monaco and Barcelona, he is eager to demonstrate his potential and prove that he belongs among the frontrunners in Formula 2.
His journey in motorsport has been filled with ups and downs, but Staněk’s determination to succeed remains unwavering. With the support of Invicta Racing and the lessons learned from his previous experiences, he is well-equipped to tackle the challenges that come his way.
As the season unfolds, fans and supporters of Roman Staněk will be watching closely, hoping that he can convert his potential into results that reflect his talent and hard work. With every race, he has the chance to redefine his narrative and establish himself as a formidable competitor in the world of Formula 2 racing.
Conclusion: The Pursuit of Excellence
In the competitive landscape of Formula 2, where every driver is vying for recognition and success, Roman Staněk stands at a pivotal point in his career. With a renewed sense of purpose and the backing of Invicta Racing, he is poised to make a mark in the series. As he navigates the challenges ahead, his journey will undoubtedly captivate motorsport enthusiasts and showcase the relentless spirit of a driver determined to rise to the top.
In summary, Staněk’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence in the fast-paced world of Formula 2 racing. The upcoming races will serve as a crucial platform for him to validate his skills and aspirations as he aims to leave a lasting legacy in the sport.
