Crawford Commands the Formula 2 Sprint at Imola as Fornaroli Gains Ground

Jak Crawford

Martí and Verschoor fail to score in drama-filled Saturday as the title race tightens

Jak Crawford delivered a statement win in the FIA Formula 2 Sprint Race at Imola, confidently converting a strong start into his first victory of the 2025 season. The DAMS Lucas Oil driver crossed the line just over a second clear of rookie Arvid Lindblad, who continues to impress in his debut campaign with Campos Racing.

Reflecting on the drive, Crawford said,

“It was quite an easy race I’d say out front. I had a great start and was able to take the lead. From then on it was just about managing the gap, making sure nobody got in my DRS and that’s kind of what I did and just managed the tyres. It was a great race, great points to take away and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

Hitech’s Luke Browning completed the podium, showing solid pace and composure throughout the 25-lap race.

Miyata on Pole, but Crawford Takes Control

The race began with Ritomo Miyata on reverse-grid pole after Kush Maini lost his best lap in qualifying. Maini had triggered a red flag during the session, which left Miyata to inherit top spot for the Sprint.

The Japanese driver led the field into Turn 1, but it didn’t take long for Crawford to assert himself. A confident move into Tamburello gave him the lead in the early laps, and from there, the American managed the gap and his tyres with maturity.

Miyata, unable to match the frontrunning pace, began slipping backwards and eventually finished sixth. Victor Martins and Alex Dunne both drove smart, consistent races to round out the top five.

Title Rivals Falter, Fornaroli Capitalises

Championship leader Richard Verschoor started from 19th on the grid after a disappointing qualifying. The MP Motorsport driver made up a few places early on but retired from the race on lap 23 with a suspected mechanical issue, ending a difficult day with zero points.

His closest rival heading into the weekend, Pepe Martí, also failed to score. He finished outside the top 10 and missed the chance to take advantage of Verschoor’s retirement.

The big winner in the championship standings was Leonardo Fornaroli, who brought his Trident car home in seventh place. That result moves him up to second in the championship, now just 10 points behind Verschoor with plenty of the season still to go.

What’s Next in Formula 2

Crawford’s win sends a clear message heading into Sunday’s Feature Race. The full grid will be back in action with more points up for grabs. For Fornaroli, it’s a critical opportunity to keep the pressure on Verschoor. Martí will be looking to bounce back and get himself back into contention.

The title fight may still be in its early stages, but Imola served as a reminder that momentum can shift quickly. Crawford has just taken full advantage.