A tough start for Trident saw them finish outside the points after the first Sprint Race in Monaco.
Both Bent Viscaal and Marino Sato suffered from different issues during Practice, impacting the opening race of Round 2.
With very few overtakes available around the Principality, Qualifying heavily affected the Trident drivers’ race results.
Viscaal started from 15th and managed to gain only one position during the 30-lap race. The Dutch driver kept himself out of trouble and will start Sprint Race 2 from the seventh row.
Sato did his best during Qualifying, but spent most of the race trying to learn the track, after missing track time during Practice. In the final stages of the race, the Japanese driver hit the barriers and was forced to retire.
Giacomo Ricci, Trident Team Manager, said: “Viscaal’s race was quite positive. The Dutchman made a good start and kept a positive race pace. When he had a clear track, he put up a very encouraging pace and had great chemistry with his car.
“Viscaal apologized for the contact with the wall during free practice, which prevented him from testing the option compound tyres and preparing for qualifying on a circuit where the starting position is a deciding factor.
“As for Marino Sato, he suffered a technical problem linked to the engine, something that did not depend on the team and that prevented him from running in the free practice session.
“Sato did everything he could in qualifying and only learned the track during the race, ending up against the barriers in the final stages. For two rookie drivers, the inability to have proper free practice runs was a very heavy handicap.”
Trident and their drivers, who both made their debuts around the streets of Monte Carlo, will now look to see where they can improve, ahead of the second Sprint Race on Saturday morning.
Image Credit: Formula Motorsport Limited
