The first qualifying session on Thursday in dry conditions went the way of Leonardo Lorandi (JD Motorsport). The Renault Sport Affiliated Driver edged Victor Martins for the pole. Lorenzo Colombo and Federico Malvestiti shared row two ahead of Frank Bird (Arden Motorsport) and Caio Collet.

Under threatening skies, Leonardo Lorandi held on to the lead at the start ahead of Victor Martins, while Lorenzo Colombo slipped in behind Federico Malvestiti before recovering his position as Caio Collet and Oscar Piastri looked on. The beginning of the race was animated by several battles in the field and the spectacular drive of Alexander Smolyar (R-ace GP), who started last and was already in the top ten at the end of lap three.

Matters quickly changed at the sharp end of the order. After making his way past Victor Martins at Combers the lap before, Lorenzo Colombo took the lead at the same corner when he got past Leonardo Lorandi on lap four. The Italian quickly pulled away, while Leonardo Lorandi had to fend off the attacks of Victor Martins. The Frenchman was then surprised at La Source on lap five by Federico Malvestiti, then Caio Collet.

Behind Lorenzo Colombo, Caio Collet made his way past both Federico Malvestiti and Leonardo Lorandi on lap seven. The pole winner continued to tumble down the order first by his countryman, then Victor Martins and Oscar Piastri.

While Lorenzo Colombo countered the return of Caio Collet, the fight for third place was raging. Federico Malvestiti did his very best to keep Victor Martins behind, to the delight of Oscar Piastri, who slotted in between the two.

The tension went up a notch on the final lap. Resisting the attack of Oscar Piastri at Combes, Federico Malvestiti spun and Alexander Smolyar could not avoid contact and ended his race with a flip. The red flag was shown and the race results were based on the order after 12 laps.

Lorenzo Colombo took the win ahead of rookies Caio Collet and Federico Malvestiti. Oscar Piastri was fourth, ahead of Victor Martins, Alexander Smolyar and Leonardo Lorandi. Initially eight and tenth, Brad Benavides (FA Racing by Drivex) and Petr Ptáček (Bhaitech Racing) each received a ten-second penalty for their responsibility in the incidents with Ugo de Wilde (JD Motorsport) and Frank Bird. Sebastián Fernández (Arden Motorsport), Kush Maini (M2 Competition) and Callan O’Keeffe (M2 Competition) were promoted into the top ten.

Starting grid - Race 2 - Drivers classification - Teams classification

Quotes

Lorenzo Colombo (MP Motorsport) : “I felt really good and I was determined to star on such a difficult circuit. I found good pace in qualifying, but it was more complicated yesterday. We did a lot of work on the car over night and the handling suited me better today. I got a bit too much wheelspin at the start, but I was able to overtake my rivals one by one to take the lead. At one point I saw Caio closing ground. I was a little concerned, but I was able to maintain the gap to take my third win in the last four races. I want to keep the momentum going and we can do it with such a hard-working team and team mates pushing me forward.”

Caio Collet (R-ace GP) : “I am extremely pleased with this first podium. The weekend didn’t get off to a great start with disappointing results in both qualifying sessions. I was a lot faster in race conditions and I quickly found myself behind Lorenzo. I thought I could catch him, but our pace was similar and I wasn’t able to reduce the gap and get into his slipstream. I need to improve my qualifying to get more strong results like this one in the second half of the season.”

Federico Malvestiti (Bhaitech Racing) : “Qualifying fourth, I knew I had a chance to battle for the podium. I had a very busy race ! I got a good start to move up to third, but the gaps were really small between the top six. I had to defend my position all race long and it was a little disappointing that the race ended in an accident. I spun while battling Oscar and unfortunately Alex could not avoid me. However, I got my first podium in the Formula Renault Eurocup and I am delighted with this result, because it rewards all the work the team has done ! "

*Results subject to confirmation following technical and sporting checks