Gabriel Bortoleto completed a remarkable recovery drive to rise 14 places in the Monza Sprint Race, crossing the line in a dead heat for the final point while Kush Maini made up four places to finish 11th.
The Invicta Racing drivers faced a mountain to climb ahead of the FIA Formula 2 Monza Sprint Race, with Gabriel Bortoleto starting last on the road in 22nd and Kush Maini in 15th.
Narrowly avoiding race-ending contact with Zak O’Sullivan on the run down to the first corner, Kush navigated his way up to 12th while Gabriel had pushed through to 17th before an early Safety Car was deployed.
Lap 4 and racing got back underway with Bortoleto progressing another two positions on that tour. Both Invicta drivers battled with Rafael Villagomez over the coming laps, but they quickly made their way past and then overhauled championship leader Isack Hadjar, and Amaury Cordeel in short order.
With 10 laps to go, the pair were running line astern in 10th and 11th. Into the first chicane, they traded places and Bortoleto quickly set about closing a 3.5-second gap to Dennis Hauger with the fastest lap of the race.
Continuous battling ahead and a blistering pace for the Brazilian meant the gap closed rapidly, and damage for Paul Aron elevated both Invicta Racing drivers another position.
On the final tour, Hadjar reclaimed 10th from Maini while Bortoleto pressured Hauger all the way to the flag, with the pair crossing the line in a tie for eighth and the last championship point.
F2 Italy SPRINT RACE RESULTS
- Gabriel Bortoleto: P8, 0.5 point
- Kush Maini: P11
GABRIEL BORTOLETO
That was a really enjoyable race. We know it was going to be tough to score points today and we finished in a tie for eighth, so we can’t be too disappointed with that. The pace was really promising so hopefully with more laps and a pitstop tomorrow, we can recover again to take some points away in the Feature Race.
KUSH MAINI
I was very fortunate to avoid serious contact on the run to the first corner. From there we had some good battles with Villagomez and Hadjar. Unfortunately, we lost out on the final lap but I think with more laps and more tyres at our disposal tomorrow, we should be able to bring home a good result.
ANDY ROCHE, TEAM PRINCIPAL
Not a bad day at the office considering out starting positions. We didn’t give up after qualifying and today proved that it isn’t over until the chequered flag, never more so than at Monza. Tomorrow is another day, and another chance at points in the Feature Race.
