FIA Formula 2 Sprint Race – DAMS ADDS POINTS TO ITS TALLY DURING FRUSTRATING SPA WEEKEND

DAMS’ Ayumu Iwasa scored points in the FIA Formula 2 Sprint Race at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps after an excellent drive, despite an otherwise difficult weekend for the team.

In typical Spa style, Friday’s qualifying session was rain-affected. Starting on a dry track, the threat of wet weather was imminent, so every team sent their drivers out immediately after a red flag stoppage. With DAMS’ pit box based at the end of the lane, Leclerc and Iwasa were at the back of the pack. This meant they caught rain in Sector 2, limiting the duo’s ability to set competitive lap times and as a result, they would line up side-by-side on Row 8 of the grid.

Both drivers made excellent progress in Saturday’s Sprint Race, with Iwasa putting on an overtaking show to move through the field. After a post-race disqualification for another driver, the Red Bull Junior was classified seventh, scoring two points, while Ferrari Driver Academy member Leclerc was ninth despite battling an engine issue.

On Sunday, the pair were both involved in contact during the opening laps of the Feature Race, with Iwasa retiring due to steering damage and Leclerc having to pit with a puncture, eventually finishing P11 in a chaotic race.

“Friday was difficult in terms of conditions throughout. In qualifying, we were caught in the rain in Sector 2, which meant we couldn’t be competitive. If we were a minute earlier or had a better position in the pits, we could’ve done a much quicker lap, so it was just bad luck on our side. In the Sprint Race, I pushed hard and had good pace. I was able to make a lot of overtakes, which was great. Today was frustrating, I got oversteer on the medium tyres on the first lap and was involved in contact, which damaged my steering and we had to retire. We’ll and look to come back strongly at Zandvoort after the summer break.”