Grand Prix of the Netherlands F2 – Clément Novalak makes the Marseillaise resonate in Zandvoort
Clément Novalak has won his first race in Formula 2. The French driver started from 13th place. Théo Pourchaire and Frederik Vesti both retired, so the positions in the standings remain unchanged.
Under the rain and difficult conditions, the F2 race lived up to expectations. Théo Pourchaire caused a safety car by going off track with cold tires, allowing Clément Novalak to benefit from the safety car and unexpectedly take the lead of the race. Maloney and Crawford complete the podium.
Robert Vershoor and Denis Hauger finish 4th and 5th. Isack Hadjar, who won the sprint race yesterday even though no points were awarded, finishes 6th and once again scores points. He is ahead of Fittipaldi, Cordeel, and his compatriot Victor Martins. The ART GP driver received a 10-second penalty on track for attempting an overly aggressive overtaking maneuver. Therefore, the Frenchman ultimately finishes only 9th. Correa completes the top 10.
Being able to take the lead in the championship, Frédérik Vesti was unlucky. His team did not tighten his tires properly when leaving the pit lane. The driver had to retire on track, as both of his rear tires came off his car.
Clément Novalak has had difficult seasons in recent years and has remained stuck at the bottom of the table with Trident. The 22-year-old driver, who is not sure if he will continue in F2 in 2024, experienced one of the key moments of his 2023 season by winning the Dutch Grand Prix. « I was a bit lucky with the safety car. But then we took the lead and I managed to maintain a good pace. I was able to keep the gap with the cars behind me and it’s really great to win a race after all this time. » explained Clément Novalak after getting out of his Trident.
Once I was in front, it was a bit easier. These conditions seemed to offer opportunities. In recent years, I have not been able to seize all the opportunities, and today it is a beautiful reward. I am very happy with this result.
TOP 10
Une course qui nous a tenus en haleine du début à la fin 😅 Mais nous connaissons enfin nos pilotes marquant des points ! Les voici…#DutchGP #F2 pic.twitter.com/03jxKgmksC
— Formula 2 (@Formula2) 27 août 2023
