Fraser MasefieldMick Schumacher bumped himself right back into title contention for the FIA Formula 2 championship after a flawless drive in Saturday’s feature race.
The moment @SchumacherMick claimed his first victory of 2020 🍾
He's our tenth different winner of the season! #ItalianGP 🇮🇹 #F2 pic.twitter.com/BI55jxgBvG
— Formula 2 (@FIA_F2) September 5, 2020
The Prema man had started seventh on the grid after beaching his car at Ascari in qualifying, but a superb start saw him catapult up to second place on the opening lap.
It then appeared to be a straight fight between the German and fellow title contender Callum Ilott, but a stall in the pits from the Englishman saw him lose valuable time and hand the initiative and net lead to Schumacher.
It was an opportunity he would not squander, and the Ferrari junior driver hammered home his advantage to win from Luca Ghiotto, Christian Lundgaard and Yuki Tsonoda, as Ilott recovered to sixth ahead of compatriot Dan Ticktum.
YES BOYZZZ 💪💪💪#FIAF2 #ItalianGP #WeRaceAsOne pic.twitter.com/CbuqNI6TNT
— PREMA (@PREMA_Team) September 5, 2020
“It was great,” said Schumacher after stepping from the car and talking to Sky Sports. “I think the pace in the car we had this race was really good. I think Callum did a really good job on the option stint, so it was a shame to see he had an issue on the pit stop but I think my guys did everything right to put the car back into shape after yesterday’s quali. I’m really, really happy to be here now.
“I have to thank the team. We do the minimal part,” added a humble Schumacher. “At the start is the procedure, practicing every day basically. It’s thanks to them that I can do those starts and put me into contention to winning this race.”
In winning his first F2 feature race and second race in the series, Schumacher puts himself back into serious contention for the title, just three points behind Ilott and Prema teammate Robert Shwartzman, who finished ninth.
“I’m just trying to enjoy this race. I think we did an amazing job altogether as a team and that’s where my thoughts are right now. I haven’t looked at it but points are good and I will try to keep the consistency up as we did in Spa, as well.”
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS:
Shwartzman – 134
Ilott – 134
Schumacher – 131#ItalianGP 🇮🇹 #F2 pic.twitter.com/iwyzL6akeK— Formula 2 (@FIA_F2) September 5, 2020
YESSSSS and that’s a win for @SchumacherMick 👏👏👏👏👏#FIAF2 #ItalianGP #WeRaceAsOne pic.twitter.com/XyvypkpuCP
— PREMA (@PREMA_Team) September 5, 2020
Motorsport Technology
