In a recent development in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, all laps that were previously excluded from the qualifying session have now been reinstated. This decision comes after a chaotic post-qualifying period, where track limit penalties affected half of the top 10 drivers.
Immediately after the end of the Formula 2 qualifying session, the FIA decided to remove several laps from the timing sheets. This affected five drivers among the top 10, as well as other drivers further down the standings.
The Stewards took this action in response to alleged track limit infringements that occurred between Turns 17 and 18 (Rivazza). However, several hours later, the sports governing body announced that the laps affected by these penalties would be reinstated.
The reason behind this decision and the criteria used to initially exclude the laps remain uncertain. The FIA has not provided any public statement on the matter, other than confirming that they were revalidating the laps.
It is important to note that poleman Gabriel Bortoleto was not affected by any of these decisions. However, the Prema Racing team benefited the most from the reinstatement, as their drivers Oliver Bearman and Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured second and fourth place in the qualifying session, respectively.
As a result, Bearman will regain his position on the front row for the main race on Sunday, while Antonelli will start from the second row. Other drivers among the top 10 also felt the effects of this decision. Hitech’s Paul Aron will regain his eighth position, securing him a start on the second row in tomorrow’s Sprint race with a reversed grid.
Franco Colapinto will recover his ninth position, and Cordeel will return to the 10th position, starting from pole position of the inverted grid in the Sprint race. Outside of the top 10, Jack Crawford will also have his lap time reinstated. Due to technical issues with his car during qualifying, he only completed one lap. Now, he will start from P21.
Unfortunately, Alpine prospect Victor Martins will find himself starting both races from the last position on the grid, P22.
