Vesti books important win at Monza, Pourchaire close to the podium

Frederik Vesti won the Formula 2 sprint race at the Monza Circuit. The Dane thus made up some points on Theo Pourchaire, who drove from a tenth starting spot to P4. Richard Verschoor finished a strong race on P3, just behind Victor Martins.

Ralph Boschung started from the first starting spot, but the Swiss driver could not enjoy this for long. Towards the first corner, he already had Richard Verschoor and Frederik Vesti next to him and tried to slow them down. That went wrong. Boschung shot straight on, ruined his set of tyres and would later come in for a new set. In a sprint race, that means over and out.

Verschoor briefly got the lead, but Vesti struck as early as turn three and passed the Dutchman. An important moment for Vesti, as the Dane needs to make up points on Theo Pourchaire. However, Vesti soon has to get back on track when a safety car is needed for Amaury Cordeel's spin. Vesti does an excellent job on the restart, keeping Verschoor behind him. Verschoor cannot keep up with Vesti's pace and feels pressure from behind.

Battle for the F2 championship

It is mainly the ART drivers who impress. Victor Martin quickly climbs up to second place and shows some impressive overtaking. His country and teammate also moves up nicely from P10. Theo Pourchaire starts Sunday's main race from P1, but also works hard in the sprint race to minimise the gap with Vesti.

After a second safety car for a spin by Roy Nissany, it is another short six-lap sprint to the finish. Martins has a poor restart behind Vesti, but still keeps Verschoor behind. Pourchaire also has a good restart and immediately climbs to fourth place.

In the last three laps the drivers have DRS again, but no real attack ever follows. Vesti knows how to keep Martins off him. Verschoor still comes close to Martins, but does not make an all-or-nothing attempt. Pourchaire ends his catch-up race in fourth place and limits the damage in the championship.