Monaco Grand Prix – F2 Sprint Race: Iwasa victorious, disappointment for Hadjar
During a sprint race punctuated by safety cars, Iwasa emerged victorious, taking advantage of the mechanical issues of the Frenchman Isack Hadjar.
Starting from pole position, Isack Hadjar had perfectly managed his start in the lead, when behind him, Clément Novalak caused a jam that resulted in the deployment of the safety car. Several drivers were affected, including Kush Maini, Ralph Boschung, Roy Nissany, as well as Arthur Leclerc and Dennis Hauger who had to go through the pits.
But at the restart of the race at the end of the 5th lap, Isack Hadjar’s engine seems to be experiencing problems, just after Sainte Dévote, relinquishing the lead to Japanese driver Iwasa. The French driver will have to retire a few minutes later due to a mechanical issue. Later, on the 23rd lap, Cordeel goes off track at Mirabeau, causing the deployment of the safety car for the second time. When the race resumes, Verschoor tries his best to attack Crawford for 3rd place but in vain, as the rookie holds onto his podium position.
Iwasa resists as a master against Daruvala and manages to take the victory in the principality while reclaiming the lead in the drivers’ championship ahead of Théo Pourchaire, who finished 8th just behind his compatriot Victor Martins in 7th. For these two, the real race is tomorrow, where they will start in the top 3.
Iwasa is delighted but remains focused for tomorrow morning’s main race. « I am very happy with this result, but unfortunately, I had a very bad result in yesterday’s qualification. I have to stay focused on tomorrow’s day and I will try to go all the way. I am still very happy with this result and I will continue to push. »
