A mixed start for Trident, following a Feature Race that saw Roy Nissany grab a point for the team as he finished in 10th place, and a DNF for Japan’s, Marino Sato.
After a two year absence, Nissany bagged an essential point on his Formula 2 return.
Teammate Marino Sato continued his unlucky weekend after suffering a technical issue at the start of the formation lap. He remained on the starting grid as the rest of the field departed. The team is hoping for a better Sprint Race.
Nissany’s push for points was helped by an aggressive start. The Israeli stayed in the points throughout the race, even when he was forced to complete a mandatory pit stop.
He held off Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin to the checkered flag to finish a superb 10th place on his return to F2, giving Trident their first point of the season.
Trident’s team boss Giacomo Ricci praised his driver’s effort after a lengthy absence.
“It is very important to start the new championship with a positive result. We are satisfied with the excellent performance by Nissany, who took home the first point for the team in his first race after a year of absence from the sport. The team is really satisfied with his performance and effort. The goal for tomorrow’s Sprint Race will be to make it to the points zone again.”
However, on the other side of the garage, it was a challenging day for Sato whose poor weekend was cut short when his car failed to start on the grid – causing him to retire from the race.
Trident’s technical department has launched an investigation into the issue to help prevent it from happening again in the Sprint Race, with the team linking Sato’s non-start to engine failure,
“As for Sato, Marino was unable to start due to a problem with the engine not attributable to the team. He will be called to a comeback race tomorrow!” (Ricci)
The sprint race will take place at 11:10 local (GMT +2) on Sunday morning with Nissany starting 10th and Sato on the back row of the grid.