Nikola Tsolov wins the first Formula 2 Sprint race in Miami ever after an intense racing for the lead that went down to the last corner. With this victory, Tsolov becomes the first Formula 2 Sprint race winner in Miami. Tsolov finished just one-tenth ahead of Laurens Van Hoepen and Alexander Dunne.
The intensity of a Formula 2 Sprint
The Formula 2 Sprint race wasn’t underway yet, but polesitter for tomorrow’s Feature race, Kush Maini, had to start from the pitlane as he couldn’t complete the formation lap. As the lights went out, Tsolov led out of turn 1 as Dürksen was third, challenging Van Hoepen in second. The Campos Racing driver quickly built a gap ahead of the pack.
Further back, his teammate, Noel León, made up six positions in a sequence of bold moves, and Rafael Câmara fought Goethe for P10. At the front, Van Hoepen and Dürksen closed on Tsolov as the Bulgarian defended. Dunne, running in P5, chased Varrone with the intention of joining the battle at the front.
The battle at the front intensified throughout the race as both Van Hoepen and Dürksen challenged Tsolov for the lead. In Lap 6, Dürksen was put under pressure as Van Hoepen reclaimed second place. However, saving tyres was crucial, especially at the end of the race, when drivers usually fall down the order. In Lap 9, Van Hoepen challenged Tsolov relentlessly for the lead as the Bulgarian delivered an impressive defense. Meanwhile, Dürksen once again closed the gap to Van Hoepen, putting him under pressure.
As the Formula 2 Sprint reached the middle point, the pressure increased, and so did the mistakes. On Lap 12, Tsolov went over the chicane, but the Campos Racing driver was able to keep it on track. On Lap 13, Van Hoepen finally took the lead from Tsolov and pulled away immediately, as Nico Varrone chased down Dürksen in third position.
On Lap 15, Tsolov retook the lead and pulled away, keeping the intensity of the battle at the front. It was a constant back-and-forth racing between Van Hoepen and Tsolov. As the leaders were fighting, Dunne and Dürksen engaged in a battle of their own for third.
The fight for the win went down to the last lap between Tsolov, Van Hopoen, and Dunne. Ultimately, Nikola Tsolov took the win just one tenth of a second ahead of Van Hoepen and Alexander Dunne.
Overshadowed performances
Despite not being involved in the front action, Roman Bilinski was a man on a mission of his own. The DAMS Lucas Oil started the Formula 2 Sprint race in 21st place and finished the race in 14th after an impressive performance and wheel-to-wheel racing.
On the other hand, Rafael Villagómez had a race to forget, having to retire after 11 laps. The ART Grand Prix team also had an unfortunate event as both their driver had to retire from the Formula 2 Sprint race. Lastly, Emerson Fittipaldi also had to retire with a suspected broken suspension. Additionally, Fittipaldi received a time penalty that could be transferred to a grid penalty for the next race, as it wasn’t served.
Momentum for Feature race
Nikola Tsolov showcased impressive racing and defensive skills, despite Campos Racing having a total of one lap of practice in Miami, previous to the Qualifying session on Friday. The Bulgarian went completely blind and yet performed with an unmatched confidence.
Tsolov will be starting 10th for the Feature race, but the Bulgarian seems to be a really strong podium contender alongside Dürksen and Van Hoepen.
