After some downtime in the summer break, Invicta Racing drivers Kush Maini and Gabriel Bortoleto are poised for the remaining four F2 events in 2024, starting with Round 11 at Monza.
After 10 rounds of high-intensity Formula 2 action, the drivers have returned fresh from their summer break with the final four events of the season firmly in their sights.
With both Kush Maini and Gabriel Bortoleto picking up a win apiece earlier in the season as well as many more podiums between them, Invicta Racing is joint-first in the Teams’ standings and in an excellent position to fight for the title, while Bortoleto occupies second in the Drivers' championship.
The iconic 5.793km Italian circuit of Monza is a favourite among drivers and fans, and for good reason. Its mix of long flat-out sections, fast-flowing corners and hard braking zones is the perfect mix to produce frenetic DRS battles and overtakes galore.
Track notes
It’s a long run down to Turn 1 and an aggressive braking zone when you arrive at this chicane, offering the first – and arguably best – overtaking opportunity on the circuit. On exit, it’s a tricky traction zone that feeds into the flat-out Curva Grande and the end of Sector 1.
Sector 2 opens with another big braking event into the second chicane, and from there, the infamous Lesmo corners await. After a tricky exit from the second Lesmo, another long flat-out section brings you to the end of Sector 2 and the approach to Turn 8.
The ultra-fast left-right-left of Ascari starts the third and final sector before feeding out onto yet another straight. The renamed, but no less intimidating Alboreto Curve marks the 11th and final corner on the circuit and its arcing radius seamlessly blends into the start/finish straight to complete the lap.
Team formbook
Gabriel Bortoleto took second in the F3 Sprint Race in 2023 and a double podium in the 2020 F4 visit to Monza, while Kush Maini has taken podiums in the past during his 2019 Formula Renault Eurocup campaign and in the 2017 Italian F4 season.
In the team’s previous guise, Virtuosi and Callum Ilott had a superb 2020 weekend with pole, the Sprint Race win and an amazing recovery drive in the Feature Race.
Memorable moment
Having started on pole and heading the pack in the early stages of the 2020 Feature Race, Callum Ilott stalled in the pitlane and dropped to last on the road. He didn’t let that phase him, though. Fighting his way back through the field, he eventually finished sixth and claimed eight valuable championship points.
Team Principal Andy Roche
The team is rested and raring to go for the final four rounds of the season, and Monza is the perfect way to kick off the second stint. We’re in really strong positions in both championships, but there are still a lot of points on offer so we’re going to have to give it everything if we want to be in with a chance of the top spots when we arrive in Abu Dhabi.
All local times CEST (UTC +2). Follow Invicta Racing for updates throughout the weekend.
Live timing for all sessions can be found here.
