WEEKEND OF GROWTH AT COTF, ROK CUP ITALY, AND LIGUE IDF. GRABKO DEBUTS AT MANTORP PARK

/in /by

It was an intense and emotional weekend for our drivers competing across circuits throughout Europe. Facing tough challenges, showing clear improvements, and demonstrating great determination, our young talents proved their growth and strong character.

From the Champions of the Future in Portimão to the Nordic Aquila Formula 1000 Championship in Sweden, the ROK Cup Italy in Franciacorta, and the Ligue IDF, each driver displayed significant progress, highlighting the potential that will fuel future successes.

Nilas Malik – DNQ at Champions of the Future in Portimão (Portugal), OKJ Category
The young Danish driver, having recently switched teams, showed clear improvement. Despite the positive work and encouraging performances, Nilas narrowly missed out on qualifying for the final.
Next week, he will be back on track at the European Championship, again in Portimão. His main focus will be on improving his qualifying performances to secure a spot in the final and aim for strong finishes.
This weekend was still a crucial step for Malik, who is gaining more confidence with his new team. Now the goal is to immediately bounce back, fighting for top positions at the next event.

Vanesa Silkunaite – DNQ at Champions of the Future in Portimão (Portugal), OKJ Category
Vanesa’s weekend at COTF in Portimão was positive in terms of performance, even if the final result didn’t fully reflect her true potential. Although she didn’t manage to qualify for the final, the young Lithuanian’s growth was evident for everyone to see.
Vanesa continues to progress, adapting better and better to both the category and the team. This weekend marked an important step forward in her development. We are confident that in the upcoming races, she will be consistently competing at the front and fighting for top positions.

Pietro Bagutti – DNF at Champions of the Future in Portimão (Portugal), OKJ Category
It was a very positive weekend for Pietro, who delivered an excellent qualifying performance and was involved in several exciting on-track battles. The young driver successfully secured a place in the final, although he was unfortunately unable to complete the race.
As highlighted in recent weeks, Pietro has made significant progress in the latest events. Compared to the beginning of the season, he has substantially changed his approach to race weekends, showing increasing maturity.
Next week, he will have the chance to bounce back and give his all at the European Championship, where we are confident he will once again stand out with convincing performances.

Markas Silkunas – P15 at Champions of the Future in Portimão (Portugal), OK Category
Markas returned to the track after his outstanding weekend in Valencia. The young driver had another very positive weekend, although he was also hampered by a bit of bad luck.
Despite the result not reflecting his true potential, Markas worked excellently in perfect harmony with his team. Throughout the various heats, he remained highly competitive and fought hard against his rivals.
The path he is following is definitely the right one: next weekend, at the European Championship, Markas will give his best to achieve the results he deserves.

Vladimir Ivannikov – P13 at Champions of the Future in Portimão (Portugal), OK Category
The last of our drivers competing at Portimão in the COTF was Vladimir Ivannikov.
The young driver showed great speed throughout the weekend; however, a penalty prevented him from starting higher up the grid, and he eventually finished the weekend in thirteenth place.
Nevertheless, Vladimir demonstrated strong consistency and maintained a very competitive pace. This performance provides a solid foundation to build upon ahead of next week’s European Championship, once again in Portimão.

Deven Grabko – Mantorp Park (Sweden), Nordic Aquila Formula 1000 Championship
Race 1: P14
Race 2: P14
Race 3: P11

Deven Grabko made his debut in the Nordic Aquila Formula 1000 Championship at Mantorp Park. As the youngest driver on track and a rookie in the category, Deven’s inexperience showed at times. Nevertheless, he delivered strong performances and great speed, securing two 14th-place finishes and an 11th place across the three races.
Deven improved race by race, as the results clearly show. His young age has not diminished the quality of his performance: his first approach to car racing, despite his very young age, was highly positive. With plenty of time ahead to grow and improve, we are confident that the experience he will gain throughout the season will further develop his already evident talent.

Julia Angelard – P18 at ROK Cup Italy in Franciacorta, Junior Category
Julia Angelard was the only driver representing us in Italy this past weekend, competing in the ROK Cup Italy. The young driver delivered a very strong performance, highlighted by an excellent qualifying session, brilliant starts, and convincing heats. Unfortunately, in the final, she was involved in a collision during the early race chaos, which forced her to drop to the back of the field. Julia then managed to climb back up to 16th place, which later became 18th after a penalty.
As the season progresses, Julia continues to show strong growth. Her talent is undeniable; the next key step in her development will be gaining greater confidence in her own abilities.
Julia has all the tools to compete for even more prestigious results, and she will certainly give her best to achieve strong performances both in the ROK Cup and in the COTFAP.

Zack Zhu – DNS at Ligue IDF in Kartland (France)
Despite a great effort from Zack Zhu, it wasn’t enough to secure a strong result at the Ligue IDF event in France.
Throughout the weekend, the young French driver showed excellent speed, but he faced several misfortunes. In the final heat before the main event, Zack was involved in a major incident ,  luckily without serious consequences, which prevented him from starting the final and fighting for top positions.
Despite all the setbacks, Zack never lost heart and fought like a lion in every race.
He delivered outstanding comebacks in the heats. Racing almost every weekend, Zhu is showing exponential growth. Despite frequent changes of karts, tracks, and conditions, he consistently demonstrates excellent speed and performance.
The path he is on is the right one, and it’s only a matter of time before the results start to reflect his true potential.

Author: Gabriele Bovio

JULIA ANGELARD WITH IMPRESSIVE PROGRESS ON THE FRANCIACORTA TRACK

/in , , , , , , , , , /by
  • Last weekend, the third round of the ROK Cup Italia series took place at the Franciacorta Karting Track.
  • Julia Angelard, representing JSTR by Jastrzębski Racing, showed solid pace throughout the weekend, making impressive progress in individual sessions.
  • Among 60 drivers, Julia was not fighting to be the best competitor – but to be the best of all. Unfortunately, the final run did not go entirely as the 13-year-old Polish woman expected.

The third visit this year to the Franciacorta track was an excellent opportunity for Julia Angelard to make full use of the experience gained since the beginning of the year. She expressed this during the qualifying session, recording the 11th time in her group, going down below the 50-second barrier. At that moment, Julia became the fastest competitor among the participating girls, fighting for the highest possible position on an equal footing with the boys in the group of 60 participants.

Solid qualifying heats
Sunday’s heats confirmed the pace of the Minardi Management team this weekend. In the first one, Julia Angelard took fourth place in the group, in the second one – she took fifth place. The last heat turned out to be a bit more difficult, but in this case Julia was classified in a high, 11th place. Thanks to solid results, the JSTR by Jastrzębski Racing competitor qualified in the final race in a high, seventh place, which gave hope for a fantastic result during this round and a large pool of points in the general classification of the series.

During the round on the Franciacorta track, Julia Angelard could also count on the support of a much more experienced mentor and friend. Maya Weug, the current leader of the F1 Academy general classification, appeared in the paddock and supported the Polish competitor with advice and comments on her driving, making it easier for the 13-year-old Pole to make progress from session to session.

Fight in the final
Although the initial laps were optimistic and allowed us to realistically think about the first podium this season, reality decided to verify the expectations and dreams of the Polish competitor. As a result of a fight with another competitor, Julia Angelard, who was in fifth place, fell off the track, losing precious seconds and therefore further positions on the track. The competitor managed to come back and continue fighting, thanks to which she was finally classified in 18th place, but it was far from the capabilities of Julia and her go-kart.

Julia Angelard: “this is not the result I was hoping for”
“I showed a solid pace throughout the weekend, taking P4, P5 and P11 in the heats, which gave me P7 at the start of the final. After a good start and getting to fifth place, contact with another driver unfortunately dropped me to P23, but despite the damage I made it to P16 (after a penalty for the incident, I ended up P18). It’s not the result I was hoping for, but I’m not giving up! I know I can fight for the podium and I hope I can get there.” During the next round I will be able to prove what I am capable of,” admits Julia Angelard.

Despite the not entirely successful finale, Julia Angelard advanced to 15th place out of 74 competitors in the general classification of the series. The next round of ROK Cup Italia will take place in two weeks, on May 10-11. Julia Angelard will then appear on the Pista Azzurra track in Jesolo.

DEBUTTO STAGIONALE A MISANO PER NICHOLAS PUJATTI NELLA PORSCHE CARRERA CUP ITALIA 2025

/in /by

Dopo la lunga pausa invernale e gli ultimi test pre-season, Nicholas Pujatti è pronto a tornare in pista per la seconda stagione nella Porsche Carrera Cup Italia.

Sarà Misano il primo appuntamento del 2025, una stagione carica di novità per il pilota numero #46, partendo dal team. Il passaggio ai colori TDE – The Driving Experiences sarà l’inizio di una nuova avventura con tanta esperienza in più e chilometri macinati a confronto della stagione di debutto.

Durante le giornate di prove libere e i test collettivi a Monza, Pujatti ha già avuto modo di lavorare con la nuova squadra in funzione della prima gara, prendendo nuovi riferimenti e indirizzando il lavoro sul set-up della vettura nella giusta direzione. Il circuito di Misano metterà tutti i piloti Carrera Cup Italia nelle condizioni di lottare fin da subito.
Il weekend di gara inizierà dalle sessioni di test di giovedì 1° maggio per poi fare rotta verso prove libere ufficiali, qualifica e le due gare in programma tra sabato 3 maggio e domenica 4 maggio.

Gare live sui canali DAZN e Porsche Carrera Cup Italia.

N.Pujatti: “Sarà un nuovo inizio e non vedo l’ora di tornare in macchina. Ho già avuto modo di lavorare con i ragazzi TDE e il feeling è stato immediato. Le prime sessioni di prove libere saranno il primo punto d’inizio di questa seconda stagione nella categoria. Voglio ringraziare tutti i miei sponsor

per il prezioso sostegno, il mio management Minardi Management e
ovviamente tutta la mia famiglia e amici”.

PROGRAMMA DEL WEEKEND COMPLETO

Ufficio Stampa Nicholas Pujatti
Petrolhead Communication

FIRST RACE WEEK OF THE YEAR FOR MATTIA BUCCI, MISANO ADRIATICO WILL HOST THE FIRST ROUND OF THE ITALIAN GT ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP

/in /by
New Year, new championship, same circuit: the Abruzzese ace will renew hostilities in the Romagna racetrack as already happened in 2024
Mattia Bucci will officially debut in the Italian GT Endurance Championship during this weekend, taking part in the first ACI Racing Weekend organized in Misano Adriatico. The racing driver from Pescara will once again be in Scuderia Best Lap, racing with the new Ferrari 296 Challenge of the racing team from Roma led by Maurizio Pitorri and Mara Bernardini. The car’s crew is completed by Andrea Levy and Ivan David Mari.
Bucci will take on the first round with data collected from a previous test done there. The young racing driver made his Grand Touring debut (in the Italian GT Sprint Championship, E.D.) in Misano Adriatico back in 2024, achieving a 9th place overall finish climbing up from the back of the grid. Additionally, he conquered a win in the 2023 FX Pro Series championship.
Inaugurated in 1972, “Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli” is one of the most prestigious circuits in the world, site of internationally renowned competitions. It has sixteen turns, ten to the right and six to the left, and it’s 4,226 kilometers long.
The weekend is scheduled as it follows:
– Friday: Free Practice 1, 11:35 am / Free Practice 2, 4:30 pm;
– Saturday: Free Practice 3, 9:15 am / Qualifying 1, 6:20 pm / Qualifying 2, 7:00 pm / Qualifying 3, 7:40 pm;
– Sunday: Race, 2:10 pm (3 hours).
Mattia Bucci: “Finally I’ll be back on track for the first round of the Italian GT Endurance Championship, I’m very happy about my debut. The tests done previously had positive feedback, so I can’t wait to get back in the car to improve my confidence with this wonderful Ferrari 296 Challenge. I’m very excited, it will be the first endurance race of my life, I can’t wait to get on the track. I thank Giovanni Minardi and Minardi Management, Scuderia Best Lap, my sponsors, my family, my staff and Walter Marini together with all his guys.”

The race will be broadcasted on ACI Sport TV (Sky Italy, channel 228), and on both Facebook and Youtube channels “Campionato Italiano Gran Turismo”

PHOTO CREDIT: Lorenzo Colangeli

Matteo Gaudieri
Mattia Bucci’s Press Office

UN WEEKEND DA PROTAGONISTI PER IL 2°ROUND DELLA SERIE XGT4 ITALY

/in /by

Le Ligier JS2 R sono state assolute protagoniste ad Imola, sempre nella lotta assoluta per la vittoria e con tempi di rilievo in ogni fase del weekend.

Gli alfieri della squadra, Andrea Frizza, Jacopo Mazza e Manuel Quondamcarlo hanno gestito un weekend semplicemente spettacolare, conclusosi con una pole e un podio assoluto, due vittorie e due podi di classe e 2 giri veloci in gara

Simone Riccitelli – Team LR Motorsport
I ragazzi sono stati incredibili per tutto il fine settimana, abbiamo gestito al  meglio ogni fase del weekend e abbiamo portato a casa il risultato. Le nostre Ligier si sono dimostrate ancora una volta veloci ed affidabili e per questo  devo ringraziare tutti i ragazzi del team. Siamo sulla strada giusta.

MAYA WINS IN JEDDAH TO LEAD F1 ACADEMY CHAMPIONSHIP

/in /by

After achieving P3 in a challenging qualifying, Maya claimed a great victory in the main race, and came close to winning the reverse grid race as well. She now leads the standings in the F1 Academy championship by seven points, with a perfect record of four podiums in four races.

Race 1
Starting from P8, Maya made a cautious but determined start. One by one, her opponents had to make way for the Ferrari-liveried car. Only the Safety Car could pause her unstoppable comeback. She had just two cars and a few laps left ahead of her. After crushing Palmowski’s strenuous defence, Maya started catching up to Lloyd. She managed to close the gap in the dying meters, with the leading duo taking the chequered flag just 0.176 seconds apart.

Race 2
Taking the start from the third spot, Maya had a great start, overtaking Doriane Pin around the outside with great precision. This move allowed her to quickly close in on Chambers and take the lead at the end of the first lap. But the Haas-backed driver tried to regain the lead and, as she made her move, she forced her opponent off the track.
Now in P3 and with undying determination, Maya regained P2 with an identical move to the one at the start. Then she started catching up on P1.
As she was informed of Chambers’ penalty, Maya wisely backed off (avoiding overheating of the tyres) and kept the gap within the required five seconds. In doing so she crossed the line in second position, but won with a safe margin of 2.8 seconds.

Next stop: Miami (Round 3)
Maya must bring momentum to the third round of the championship in Miami. She’s never been on the podium in Florida, so she will be even more determined to keep her perfect podium record alive.

JULIA ANGELARD READY TO RETURN TO THE FRANCIACORTA TRACK

/in /by
  • Julia Angelard is facing the third round of this year’s ROK Cup Italia series.
  • The 13-year-old Pole will once again go to the Italian Franciacorta track, where she competed twice in March this year.

After the Christmas racing break, karting drivers are back in competition. It is no different in the case of Julia Angelard, who will appear at the Franciacorta track this weekend once again this year. There, after the March round of the WSK Super Master Series and the subsequent opening of the ROK Cup Italia season, he will have the opportunity to achieve the best possible result at this racing facility for the third time.

From rain to… sun?
Although weather forecasts predict a rainy Friday, the rest of the weekend should be filled with sunshine and much better track conditions. One thing is certain – another visit to the same racing facility allows you to benefit from the previously acquired experience, which should translate into good results.

The first round of ROK Cup Italia on the same track was not without difficulties, but it provided a lot of emotions, and the fans present on the track and in front of the screens could watch a spectacular sprint in the final performed by the JSTR by Jastrzębski Racing competitor. Julia Angelard then fought her way through the entire field to advance from 36th place to a high 12th place.

Julia Angelard: I hope the weather turns out to be kind
“It will be nice to return to a track I know well once again. I hope that this time there will be no major difficulties – because although I remember my final assault fondly, I would love to prove to others what I am capable of by starting the final race from a much higher position. I hope that the weather will actually turn out to be sunny and I will be able to fully use the go-kart’s potential and fight for the top positions,” admits the JSTR by Jastrzębski Racing competitor.

HOW TO FIND AND KEEP SPONSORS

/in /by

Over the years, sponsorship in motorsport has evolved from simply financing a driver to becoming a true endorsement of a broader project. The driver-sponsor relationship must be a win-win: the company seeks visibility, while the driver gains the financial stability needed to pursue a competitive career. And no, winning a world championship isn’t a prerequisite to securing backing or keeping it.

We all remember the lesser-known Formula 1 cars of the 1980s, decked out in logos from small and large worldwide companies. Thanks to the exposure these teams enjoyed—often unexpectedly— some of those brands became iconic. Coffee roasters, wineries, ceramic manufacturers: all made their mark during that golden age of sponsorship. Let’s see how this works nowadays with our insider Giovanni Minardi.

The evolution of motorsport sponsorship
«The sponsorship landscape has changed dramatically in the last 25 years. Back then, businesses of all sizes were eager to advertise—especially in motorsport. It was possible to fund teams and support deserving drivers. Today, the scenario is different. Outside of Formula 1, in the so-called junior or feeder categories, sponsorships are often tied to family connections. If a driver’s family owns a business, they may find support among their suppliers or clients. Otherwise, it’s a steep uphill battle. Formula 1, however, is another story. TV viewership is booming again. Fans are returning to racetracks, and big corporations with deep pockets are investing in both teams and drivers once more.»

Sponsorship basics: what’s in it for companies?
«Sponsorship isn’t just about exposure. It’s also a tax-deductible expense—companies can write it off instead of handing that money over to the government. Today, though, sponsorships are increasingly seen as high-risk investments. We’re not just talking about putting logos on a car. Some companies now financially back a driver directly—not a team—in exchange for a stake in that driver’s future earnings. If the driver turns professional, the sponsor receives a return on investment. In this scenario, the sponsor becomes an investor, betting on the driver’s long-term success. But to land these kinds of deals, a driver must present clear, well-structured plans that outline the tangible benefits for the company.»

Why should a Business sponsor a racing driver?
«Visibility, brand awareness, and tax incentives are just part of the equation. In today’s fiercely competitive market, businesses need to stand out. Motorsport sponsorship allows them to reach new audiences and potential clients, boosting both image and revenue.»

The Million-Dollar Question: how do you find a sponsor?
«There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Major corporations now focus solely on global platforms—Formula 1, MotoGP, football, and other premium sports. If you’re racing in support series like F2, F3, or F1 Academy, brands might come knocking, attracted by TV exposure and media coverage. Mid-sized businesses, on the other hand, are struggling financially and usually lack the budget for motorsport sponsorships. In this case, networking—personal and professional—is key, but even that might not be enough. Surprisingly, small companies can sometimes be more helpful. They may not offer large sums, but their support can make the difference in competing in more budget-friendly series.»

Big sponsor or many small ones?
«It may seem obvious to go for the big one, but having several smaller sponsors is often the smarter move. Losing one doesn’t jeopardize your entire season. With one major sponsor, if things go south, you’re left with nothing.»

The grind: finding sponsors on your own
«Looking for sponsorship is harder than racing itself. Start with your personal network, and try to build outward. But to expand your reach, you need some initial sponsors—because sponsors attract other sponsors. Results matter too. If you want to be attractive to a brand, you need strong performances on track. Also crucial today: building a personal brand on social media. Companies now closely examine your online presence. A strong following and polished communication can make you a more appealing prospect. Targeting companies that align with your personality and values also increases your chances.»

What do sponsors really want: trophies or followers?
«Both. Wins help build a following, and visibility is what companies want. Race results are the foundation—you need them to justify asking for funding. But equally important is the communication strategy that ensures both fans and sponsors know about those results.»

What role do agencies play in sponsorship?
«It depends on the agency. Some include sponsorship search as part of their core offering; others treat it as an add-on. In our case, we focus more on the sporting side. Still, we support drivers and their families with presentation materials, setting up meetings, and doing everything we can to help them bring a sponsor onboard. At the same time, we also look for sponsors directly for our agency so we can allocate resources to drivers who need it most.»

How long does a sponsorship typically last?
«There’s no standard duration. Multi-year contracts (ideally three years or more) are the goal, but
it’s not always feasible. More often, the first agreement is for a single season, allowing both parties to test the waters. Building a strong relationship based on trust is essential to turning a one-year deal into a long-term partnership. The key is making the sponsor feel like they’re an integral part of the driver’s journey.»

Pitfalls to avoid
«Be cautious of people who promise access to sponsors in exchange for upfront fees. In my 30-year career, I’ve seen it all—but the most common scam involves someone asking for money to “secure” sponsors, only to disappear once they’ve been paid.»

Karting vs. Formula cars (or GTs): what changes?
«The sponsorship strategies are the same, but the stakes differ based on the series. The bigger the championship, the greater the potential for exposure. Unfortunately, when you pitch karting to a business, many don’t even know what you’re talking about. It’s far easier to get interest when you mention F2 or F3—names people recognize from watching F1 weekends.»

GIOVANNI’S OPINION – 2025 SAUDI ARABIAN GP

/in /by

Piastri leads the World Championship after a commanding victory at the Saudi Arabian GP. Verstappen, who finished second, went all-in on the race start, but he cut the chicane and received a 5-second penalty, which ultimately cost him the race win.

Ferrari achieved their first podium of the season with a great Leclerc, whereas Hamilton continued to struggle. Norris closed in on a podium finish at the end, but couldn’t reach the Monegasque.

Giovanni’s Opinion

Jeddah was a pretty boring race, with few overtakes, where the only entertainment was provided by Norris’ comeback and the Piastri–Verstappen tussle at the start.

Piastri was the undisputed leader of the Grand Prix, even if Verstappen could have won had he not received the penalty, because his pace was quite as strong. Norris made a strong comeback, the only true entertainment, but, as I said, McLaren had the best car.

On the other hand, Ferrari finally achieved a podium finish, with Leclerc executing a superlative race compared to what he had been able to do thus far, even if Norris came really close at the end of the race. On the contrary, Hamilton couldn’t make the difference.

Mercedes experienced quite a dark Grand Prix, because, for whatever reason, they couldn’t translate the good potential shown in qualifying into race pace on Sunday.

Williams is growing consistently, as they scored points again with both cars.

Hadjar performed well with the Racing Bulls. Less so did Lawson, who was once again outperformed by his teammate.

As far as Aston Martin is concerned, they amounted to nothing in both qualifying and in the race.

Bearman had a good weekend, as he was always ahead of his more experienced teammate Ocon.

In conclusion, Alpine experienced an unfortunate race. Gasly was taken out at the start, so he couldn’t show the promising potential of the car. Doohan, as usual, was nowhere to be seen.

WEEKEND TO REMEMBER: MAYA WEUG TAKES THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD, PODIUM FINISH FOR QUONDAMCARLO AT IMOLA

/in /by

It was a truly rewarding weekend for our two drivers, both competing in top-level international events and claiming impressive podiums on iconic circuits.

Manuel Quondamcarlo, competing in the X-GT4 Italy Championship at Imola, delivered a standout performance in Sunday’s race, securing a superb second place after showing steady progress throughout the weekend.

A picture-perfect weekend as well for Maya Weug, who returns from the Jeddah GP as the new leader of the world championship standings, thanks to a victory and a second-place finish in the two races. Her performance confirms her excellent form and unyielding determination in the fight for the F1 Academy title.

ÌI weekend at Imola marked a brilliant performance for Manuel Quondamcarlo in the X-GT4 Italy series. The young driver showcased his full potential alongside his team, securing vital points for the ongoing championship campaign. In Race 2, Manuel proved to be a formidable contender, fighting hard for victory right up to the final lap. Despite his determination and multiple overtaking attempts, Quondamcarlo crossed the line in second place.

The performance from the talented 2007-born driver was nothing short of outstanding, demonstrating consistent pace and unwavering focus throughout the race. Manuel now sets his sights firmly on the top step of the podium in the upcoming rounds, a goal he undoubtedly deserves and one he will be aiming to achieve with full conviction.

Maya Weug – F1 Academy, Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)

A second round to remember for Maya Weug in the F1 Academy, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The Dutch driver delivered two outstanding performances that saw her rise to the top of the overall standings.

Maya’s weekend began in the best possible way, topping the timesheets in the free practice session. Qualifying, however, didn’t quite go as smoothly, but it didn’t stop her from shining once the lights went out.

RACE 1: P2

In Saturday’s Race 1, the Ferrari Driver Academy talent exceeded all expectations. Starting from sixth on the reversed grid, Maya staged a masterful comeback, climbing her way up to second place.

Although she narrowly missed out on victory, she was undoubtedly the quickest driver on track. In the final laps, she pushed relentlessly for the lead, ultimately falling short by just one-thousandth of a second, missing the win by the narrowest of margins.

RACE 2: P1

Sunday’s main race was nothing short of flawless. Maya got off to a lightning start, immediately moving up to second place. From then on, she remained a constant threat to the race leader, staying glued to the rear wing right up to the final lap.
In a tense battle for victory, Maya launched a decisive attack, only to be squeezed aggressively by her rival, who was later handed a five-second penalty. This handed Maya her second career win in the F1 Academy, a well-deserved reward for a brilliantly executed race.
She narrowly missed out on the bonus point for fastest lap, falling short by just a few hundredths of a second on the very last lap.

Maya delivered a superb weekend that fully showcased her talent and potential. Her rise to the top of the standings is no fluke, it’s the result of two opening rounds tackled with speed, determination, and remarkable composure.
The young Dutch driver has made her intentions clear: she’s here to fight for the title and has firmly established herself as one of the championship’s main contenders.

The next round of the F1 Academy takes place from 2–4 May in Miami, where Maya will be aiming to secure another victory and further strengthen her title challenge.

Author: Gabriele Bovio