As the 2025 FIA Formula 2 Championship shifts gears into its European stretch, Invicta Racing sets its sights on Round 4 at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola. With the Italian venue renowned for its rich motorsport heritage and technical demands, the upcoming race weekend promises a critical challenge and a homecoming for Invicta’s Leonardo Fornaroli.
Imola’s 4.9-kilometre layout, known for its high-speed chicanes and narrow, twisty nature, leaves little margin for error. Overtaking is notoriously difficult, yet the circuit’s propensity for Safety Car interruptions has historically shaken up the order, opening doors for strategic gains. “One of the most iconic circuits on the calendar,” the track boasts 19 turns and a single DRS zone, adding strategic complexity to both the 25-lap Sprint and the 35-lap Feature Race.
Invicta Racing arrives in Italy buoyed by a strong showing in Saudi Arabia, where both drivers demonstrated competitive pace. Leonardo Fornaroli and Roman Stan?k each qualified in the top ten, collectively securing 18 points despite both races being disrupted by Safety Car periods. The performances not only reflected individual skill but also the team’s growing understanding of race dynamics.
“This circuit is a real test of driver discipline and team execution,” said Team Principal James Robinson, “Imola marks the start of the European leg and a triple-header, so it’s going to be a demanding few weeks ahead. It’s a challenging circuit, but both drivers have plenty of experience, which can help us continue our learnings this season.”
The Imola round holds special significance for Fornaroli, who returns to race on home soil. With prior success at the venue, most notably two podium finishes in the 2021 Formula 4 Italian Championship, Fornaroli will be looking to tap into local familiarity to boost his campaign.
Stan?k, too, has proven pedigree at Imola, having claimed victory in the 2022 FIA Formula 3 Feature Race. With both drivers bringing strong track records to the table, expectations are high for a competitive showing. “We have seen that the car has pace in Qualifying,” Robinson added, “and we’ll be looking to transfer this into all sessions so that we can fight well within the points.”
Several key corners will be crucial to extracting lap time around Imola. Tamburello (Turns 2–4) opens up chicane demands razor-sharp precision, with high kerbs and gravel traps punishing even the smallest errors. Variante Alta (Turns 14–15) is an uphill, tight chicane requiring delicate braking and positioning. Rivazza 1 & 2 (Turns 17–18) is a double left-hander offering one of the few genuine overtaking opportunities, particularly as drivers approach the main DRS zone. Success at Imola will depend not only on speed but also on racecraft and adaptability. With overtaking opportunities limited, Qualifying performance and pit strategy will be paramount.
Invicta Racing has a strong recent history at Imola. In 2024, Gabriel Bortoleto captured pole position for the team, converting it into a podium finish in the Feature Race. The team hopes to replicate and build upon that success this year with its new driver pairing.
With three consecutive race weekends on the horizon, consistency and reliability will be crucial as the championship intensifies. Imola marks the first major checkpoint in the season’s mid-phase, and Invicta Racing appears poised to capitalize on its upward trajectory.
As the team returns to one of motorsport’s most historic venues, all eyes will be on whether Invicta Racing’s blend of experience, momentum, and local knowledge can deliver another strong result in the heart of Italy.
Image: Leonardo Fornaroli, Invicta Racing © Dutch Photo Agency
