News
DISAPPOINTING FORMULA 2 WEEKEND FOR BWT HWA RACELAB
- 17th and 16th place for Artem Markelov, 18th and 12th for Giuliano Alesi
- Artem Markelov: "It is important not to look at the results."
- Giuliano Alesi: "We were unable to show the progress we have made."
- Thomas Strick: "You cannot afford any mistakes if you want to finish in the points in Formula 2."
Monza, 6th September 2020 – Having seen Artem Markelov (Russia) finish in the points at Spa-Francorchamps last weekend, BWT HWA RACELAB travelled to Monza for the two races in the FIA Formula 2 Championship full of optimism. However, they found themselves in a tricky position after qualifying. Friday's session was brought to an early close after a collision, scuppering the plans of Artem Markelov and Giuliano Alesi (France) to fit in another flying lap. As such, they had to start Saturday's race from 20th (Giuliano) and 21st (Artem) place on the grid.
Artem made the better start and passed three cars on the opening lap. As the race progressed, the Russian looked good on the harder tyre compound and was able to put pressure on the cars ahead of him. He came into the pits from seventh place. However, the team then made a mess of the tyre change and Artem found himself stationary for several seconds too many. Despite his good performance to that point in an evenly-matched Formula 2 field, he rejoined the race down in 18th place. He spent the last few laps in a battle with his team-mate Giuliano, from which he came out on top. The BWT HWA RACELAB duo crossed the finish line in 17th and 18th place.
Artem had a disastrous start on Sunday. His engine failed and it took a long time to finally get the car started. He eventually set off one lap behind the rest of the field. He completed 21 flawless and consistent laps before crossing the finish line in 17th place following mistakes and retirements from other drivers.
Giuliano made a good start to Sunday's race. He was able to maintain his position and then found a good rhythm. He showed consistent pace as he fought his way through to twelfth place. Giuliano was passed by one car on the final lap and eventually ended the race in 13th place. Giuliano and Artem were subsequently promoted to 12th and 16th place following the disqualification of the race winner.
The FIA Formula 2 Championship continues on 12th and 13th September with two races in Mugello.
Reactions to the race weekend
Artem Markelov (25, Russia, car number 16), 17th and 16th place
"It feels like we had a whole year's worth of bad luck on one race weekend. It was really tough. I was actually going really well in race one, but then we had an issue during the pit stop and I lost too much time. In the second race, the engine stalled at the start. One lap behind, there was not a lot more I could do - although I did manage to end the race in the same position I started it from. It is important not to look at the results, but to continue to work on the set-up with the team."
"It feels like we had a whole year's worth of bad luck on one race weekend. It was really tough. I was actually going really well in race one, but then we had an issue during the pit stop and I lost too much time. In the second race, the engine stalled at the start. One lap behind, there was not a lot more I could do - although I did manage to end the race in the same position I started it from. It is important not to look at the results, but to continue to work on the set-up with the team."
Giuliano Alesi (20, France, car number 17), 18th and 12th place
"It was another difficult weekend. Despite everything, we have made some progress with the car. However, we were unable to demonstrate that - partly because of events in qualifying and the races, over which we had no control. I am now looking forward to Mugello. It will be the first time at this circuit for all the Formula 2 teams, so it is going to be exciting."
Thomas Strick (Team Principal BWT HWA RACELAB)
“Our pace was better this weekend. However, you cannot afford any mistakes if you want to finish in the points in Formula 2. Unfortunately, we did not manage that. Despite everything, we are stabilising in terms of the set-up. We must now continue this positive trend in Mugello, and concentrate on our job there."
“Our pace was better this weekend. However, you cannot afford any mistakes if you want to finish in the points in Formula 2. Unfortunately, we did not manage that. Despite everything, we are stabilising in terms of the set-up. We must now continue this positive trend in Mugello, and concentrate on our job there."
Result of race one, Saturday 5th September:
| 1. | M. Schumacher | PREMA Racing | 48:24.641 |
| 17. | Artem Markelov | BWT HWA RACELAB | 48:54.568 |
| 18. | Giuliano Alesi | BWT HWA RACELAB | 48:54.984 |
Result of race two, Sunday 6th September:
| 1. | C. Ilott | UNI-Virtuosi | 34:07.953 |
| 12. | Giuliano Alesi | BWT HWA RACELAB | 34:40.266 |
| 16. | Artem Markelov | BWT HWA RACELAB | 34:33.713 + 1 lap |