All images ©: Dutch Photo Agency
Invicta Racing enjoyed one of its most successful weekends in FIA Formula 2 at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, securing victory in both the Sprint and Feature Races with Leonardo Fornaroli and Roman Stanek respectively.
The results move Invicta into the lead of the Teams’ standings for the first time since the opening round in Melbourne, while Leonardo returns to the top spot of the Drivers’ standings for the first time since Round 2 in Sakhir, as the 2025 season hits two-thirds distance.
Both drivers were quick to take to the track to get laps banked, with Roman’s first effort briefly placing him P1 and Leonardo topping the timesheets shortly afterwards.
After the rest of the field had set their opening times, Leonardo sat P2 with Roman P5 at the midway point of the session.
With less than 10 minutes remaining in the session, all drivers were back out on track. On their final runs, Roman improved to claim P3 while Leonardo had to settle for P7.
2025 Formula 2 SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS Qualifying RESULTS
Roman Stanek: P3 (1:57.576)
Leonardo Fornaroli: P7 (1:57.712)
With the reversal of the Qualifying grid for the 18-lap Sprint Race, Leonardo and Roman lined up P3 and P7 respectively on Medium compound tyres.
Leonardo had an excellent getaway, gaining two positions with a bold move down the inside at the first corner to take the lead, while Roman dropped to P10 amidst a chaotic start for the midfield.
A Safety Car period immediately followed, with smart driving from Leonardo at the restart enabling him to hold his lead and quickly break out of DRS range from Amaury Cordeel behind.
After a period of relative calm, a second Safety Car period began on Lap 12, allowing Roman to make a pit stop for Soft tyres.
Quick work from the crew saw the Czech driver emerge in P7 – the second driver on Soft tyres, with the top five opting to stay out and maintain track position.
As the race restarted, Roman found himself embroiled in an enthralling battle with Pepe Martí and Alexander Dunne, eventually finishing between the pair in P6.
Leonardo, meanwhile, maintained his composure once again despite the threat from those on the alternative strategy behind to emerge victorious after a superbly controlled race.
A mechanical failure for Sami Meguetounif on the penultimate lap meant the race would conclude behind the Safety Car.
2025 Formula 2 SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS Sprint Race RESULTS
Leonardo Fornaroli: P1 (11 points)
Roman Stanek: P6 (3 points)
Heavy rainfall ahead of the Feature Race created tricky conditions on track, and though the weather eased off ahead of the race, the Formation Lap took place behind the Safety Car with more rain expected to arrive imminently.
On Wet tyres, Roman took the rolling start from P3, with Leonardo P7. Roman had a great getaway and immediately overtook Ritomo Miyata for P2 before a huge slide through Eau Rouge saw the Japanese driver reclaim P3. Leonardo, meanwhile, had climbed up to P6 by the end of the first racing lap.
Struggling in the wet conditions, Leonardo lost several positions before making his mandatory pitstop at the end of Lap 10 for fresh Wet tyres. A lap later, Roman also came into the pits for new Wets, looking to undercut the drivers ahead of him.
Midway through the race, heavy rain fell once again and once the remaining drivers had pitted in response to the conditions, Roman’s undercut had proven successful – putting him in contention for the lead with Alex Dunne.
Roman struggled to maintain the Irishman’s pace, eventually falling back to P4 behind Arvid Lindblad and Ritomo Miyata before a spin for the latter promoted him back to the podium places as the race finished behind the Safety Car.
A brave overtake through the spray of Eau Rouge saw Leonardo climb back to his starting position of P7 before the race concluded, sealing another points finish and completing a strong weekend for both himself and the team.
After the race, a penalty for Alexander Dunne and disqualification for Arvid Lindblad promoted both Invicta Racing drivers two positions, with Roman inheriting his first victory of the season while Leonardo was classified P5.
2025 Formula 2 SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS FEATURE Race RESULTS
Roman Stanek: P1 (25 points)
Leonardo Fornaroli: P5 (10 points)
LEONARDO FORNAROLI
“It’s been a challenging but rewarding weekend. Claiming back-to-back Sprint Race victories was incredible. I had a strong start and felt comfortable managing the race from the front. I’m really proud of what I achieved.
“The conditions were tough in the Feature Race. I was struggling on the tyres and lost some ground, but I kept pushing and managed to secure further points. I’m looking forward to the second half of the double-header next weekend in Budapest.”
READ MORE: Getting to know Leonardo Fornaroli
ROMAN STANEK
“I’m really happy with my results this weekend, claiming third in Qualifying and picking up some points in the Sprint Race. It felt amazing to wrap up the weekend with a podium in the Feature Race after battling with the weather conditions, but to be promoted to first makes it even better.
“The team did a great job with the strategy and we’ve taken another positive step forward. I’m confident we’ll continue this momentum in Hungary, so I’m looking forward to racing there next weekend.”
READ MORE: Getting to know Roman Stanek
JAMES ROBINSON, TEAM PRINCIPAL
“I’m incredibly proud of the way the whole team performed this weekend. To leave Spa with two victories is a testament to the drivers’ and team’s determination and hard work.
“Leonardo delivered another excellent win, and Roman’s promotion to first in the Feature Race was a great reward for his progress and consistency on track. We’re coming away from Spa with 49 points, our highest tally of the season so far, and we’ll look to continue this success in Budapest.”
READ MORE: Getting to know James Robinson
2025 Formula 2 STANDINGS
Invicta Racing: P1 (182 points)
Leonardo Fornaroli: P1 (125 points)
Roman Stanek: P10 (57 points)
READ MORE: See the full FIA Formula 2 2025 Standings
CIRCUIT: HUNGARORING
ROUND: 10
DATE: 1-3 AUGUST
READ MORE: Where to watch F2 in 2025
