R02 Bahrain – FIA Formula 2 Race 1 Report – Minì claims points finish in Bahrain Sprint Race

Gabriele Minì went from P12 to P8 in an eventful opening race for the FIA Formula 2 Championship at Bahrain International Circuit. The PREMA Racing driver improved his position in the first part of the Sprint Race and was among a pack of drivers that made an optional stop for fresh tyres during a late safety-car. Using an alternative strategy, the goal was to gain ground on the drivers who elected not to stop in the final stages.

Despite a close call in the first corner at the following restart, Minì made the most of the strategy and managed to fight back with a fast pace and brave overtaking, capturing the final points finish for the day.

Unfortunately, Sebastian Montoya didn’t have the chance to enter that conversation. The Colombian had a brilliant start from the 9th row on the grid but was punted into a spin on the opening lap and could not get re-started. He and Minì will be back for the weekend’s Feature Race tomorrow.

#9 SEBASTIAN MONTOYA
“We made a good start and the first lap was good as well, until it wasn’t. It happens. We will be back tomorrow.”

#10 GABRIELE MINÌ
“We managed to gain some points in quite a messy race. We decided to make a pit stop and risk it because we were losing some pace in the end before the safety car. It was a really good call. Unfortunately, we were blocked by another driver who braked really early in T1. I lost quite a lot and flat-spotted a tyre a little bit. It’s a shame but we go back with one point, better than nothing. We’ll see for tomorrow.”