Belgium – Race 2: Latifi takes victory after a perfect race, Norris and Albon on the podium
In pole position for this second race at Spa-Francorchamps, Nicholas Latifi left only scraps for his opponents. After a brilliant start from 8th to 3rd place then 2nd, Nyck de Vries struggled with his tires, leaving the podium to Lando Norris and Alexander Albon.
The beginnings are definitely difficult for Dorian Boccolacci at Spa-Francorchamps. At the start of the formation lap, his car does not start, something that had already happened to him the day before. Antonio Fuoco and Alessio Lorandi suffer the same fate and will start from the pit lane.
Latifi and Ghiotto maintain their front row. Behind them, things are more confusing but no incidents are to be reported. In the standings, only George Russell experienced some difficulties and dropped two places during this first lap, to the benefit of Alexander Albon and Roy Nissany. The excellent performance is credited to Nyck de Vries, who started from 8th place and is already up to 3rd position.
During the 3rd lap, Artem Markelov and Lando Norris are battling in Les Combes. The drivers are neck and neck through the 3 corners, and the Russian manages to keep his 4th place. Sean Gelael is forced to retire a few moments later.
WATCH: Brilliant wheel-to-wheel action between @LandoNorris and @ArtemMarkelov6@CarlinRacing @russiantimeteam
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#SkyF1 #F1 #F2 #BelgianGP #RoadToF1 pic.twitter.com/RsQE6fItOt— Sky Sports F1 🏎 (@SkySportsF1) 26 août 2018
In the lead, Nicholas Latifi builds a 2-second advantage over Luca Ghiotto, who is threatened by Nyck de Vries. On the 5th lap at the Combes braking zone, De Vries takes the advantage over Ghiotto and just behind, Norris manages to perform the same maneuver on Markelov.
Lando Norris is on the charge this morning, after Markelov, the Carlin driver overtakes Ghiotto on the Kemel straight thanks to the DRS, and he is now 3rd. At the back of the pack, Dorian Boccolacci is experiencing a difficult start in F2. The Frenchman is last and battling with Nirei Fukuzumi for 18th position.
At mid-race, Nicholas Latifi is still leading 2.9 seconds ahead of Nyck de Vries and Lando Norris. Markelov, Ghiotto, Albon, Russell, Sette Camara, Nissany, and Günther complete the top 10.
At the 14th lap, Maximilian Günther makes a pit stop to change his tires. For several laps, the German had been losing places in the pack; he comes out 18th between Fukuzumi and Boccolacci.
Günther’s been passed by Makino and Deletraz, with Maini now all over him. The German’s going to pit at the end of the lap #F2
— FIA Formula 2 (@FIA_F2) 26 août 2018
In the lead, the Dams driver flies like the wind and builds a nice lead of 5.9 seconds over his Dutch pursuer. Just off the provisional podium, Alexander Albon manages to gain the advantage over Artem Markelov.
As the final lap approaches, the previous day’s winner is threatened by Lando Norris and Alexander Albon. At the entrance of Les Combes, both drivers overtake him, and Artem Markelov attempts the same maneuver. In the final corners, De Vries manages to defend his 4th place against Markelov, right up to the checkered flag.
Nicholas Latifi secures his first victory of the season at the Ardennes rollercoaster, Lando Norris and Alexander Albon complete the podium for this second race of the weekend.
First win of the season! @NicholasLatifi #F2 pic.twitter.com/1F7rqWw8GD
— FIA Formula 2 (@FIA_F2) 26 août 2018
The final ranking at the end of the race:
#F2 – Results of the Sprint Race at @circuitspa 🇧🇪 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/SXYfLXX1FG
— FIA (@fia) 26 août 2018
From our special correspondent in Spa-Francorchamps
