Invicta Racing arrives in the principality carrying momentum from Round 4
Following on from a maiden F2 podium for Gabriel Bortoleto at Imola, the team are ready to do battle on the streets of Monaco.
One of the most iconic events on the calendar hosts Round 5 of the 2024 FIA Formula 2 Championship and, like Imola that preceded it, its technical nature makes overtaking a challenging prospect.
Surrounded by unforgiving barriers, Safety Cars are very likely on the 3.337-kilometre circuit and with just one DRS zone on the main straight, this event is unlike any other throughout the season. Strategy is crucial, perhaps more so than at any other venue.
It’s no secret that qualifying is as important as the race itself in Monaco, with the last four winners of the Feature Race starting from pole position. With more poles than any other team this season (three), Invicta Racing are in a strong position heading into the weekend.
Track notes
A tricky braking zone at Sainte Devote, known for catching out seasoned veterans and rookies alike, opens a lap of the Monte Carlo circuit. Then comes a high-speed run up the hill at Beau Rivage. Massenet, Casino and Mirabeau come thick and fast before plunging into Turn 6, the slowest corner on the calendar.
A tricky pair of right-handers at Portier feed into the darkness of the tunnel. Bursting back into the light, a heavy braking zone – and a potential overtaking opportunity for the bravest drivers – at the Nouvelle Chicane is quickly upon you.
The final sector is fast and flowing, requiring reflexes and nerve in equal measure to navigate on the ragged edge. Tabac, Louis Chiron and the infamous Swimming Pool section make way for a low speed, but equally challenging end to the lap at La Rascasse and Anthony Noghes.
Team formbook
In the past two seasons, Gabriel has failed to finish outside the top six at Monaco. During the 2023 FIA Formula 3 event, he finished sixth in the Sprint and fifth in the Feature Race. Kush also finished sixth in the 2023 F2 Feature Race.
The team scored a superb one-two finish with Zhou Guanyu and Felipe Drugovich in the first 2021 Sprint Race at Monaco.
Memorable moment
Records were broken in the 2021 Feature Race, where Théo Pourchaire became the youngest-ever winner of a Formula 2 race at just 17 years old.
Team Principal Andy Roche:
It was great to see Gabriel take his first F2 podium in the Imola Feature Race, but the European races arrive at a rapid pace, so you must switch focus quickly. Qualifying is always the most important element of a race weekend at Monaco, so we will target a strong result for that and then look to optimise strategy in the races. We’re all looking forward to an exciting weekend.
All local times CEST (UTC +2). Follow Invicta Racing for updates throughout the weekend.
Live timing for all sessions can be found here.
