F2: Colapinto makes last-lap overtake to take victory in Imola Sprint Race

MP Motorsport rookie Franco Colapinto produced a sublime final lap overtake on Hitech Pulse-Eight’s Paul Aron to seal his maiden Formula 2 victory at a dramatic Imola Sprint Race.

The Williams Driver Academy prospect lined up in second but dropped down to third after a slow start. However, he was quickly back up to second on Lap 7 after overtaking Aron’s teammate Amaury Cordeel.

He then bided his time after chasing down the Estonian before making his move on the final lap, pulling off a brilliant overtake round the outside through Tamburello.

The opening lap was brought to a halt following a five-car collision involving Isack Hadjar, Roman Stanek, Dennis Hauger, Enzo Fittipaldi, and Joshua Duerksen, with Safety Car intervention required.

However, with all five drivers okay and the track clear, the action resumed with Aron in the lead. The Hitech driver made a brilliant start and overtook both Colapinto and Cordeel, who started on pole.

But he could do little to keep Colapinto behind and was forced to take the chequered flag in P2. Championship leader Zane Maloney also produced a late overtake, the Rodin Motorsport driver making his way past Cordeel for the final spot on the podium, leaving the Belgian to settle for fourth.

PREMA Racing’s Oliver Bearman held off Invicta Racing’s Gabriel Bortoleto to finish in fifth. Trident’s Richard Verschoor took P7, which Kush Main made it two Invicta cars in the top eight as he rounded out the points paying positions.

Next up is Sunday’s Feature Race where Bortoleto is set to start on pole position alongside Bearman. Lights out is set for 10:00 local time tomorrow.

For an in-depth report of the FIA Formula 2 Sprint Race, visit the F2 website here.