ART Grand Prix’s Ritomo Miyata delivered an impressive lap to secure P2 during Qualifying at the F2 Belgian GP. Competing in his second full F2 season, the Japanese driver has experienced a mix of highs and lows. But, finally, a strong performance in Qualifying for Miyata has earned himself a front-row start for Sunday’s Feature Race.
In 2025, Miyata has scored points on only three occasions. Currently P17 in the Drivers’ Standings with 6 points to his name, this result serves as a great opportunity for him to maximise his points haul this weekend. During the post-Qualifying press conference, Miyata spoke to Pit Debrief and other media outlets as he reflected on his session.
Long-awaited standout performance
Miyata expressed relief after delivering a strong performance, noting that past weekends like in Silverstone were hampered with issues. The Japanese driver explained how he found renewed confidence in car during Free Practice and was pleased to end his day with a P2 during Qualifying.
“Yeah, finally we could, we [did] a really good job. Before in Silverstone we couldn’t push because we had an issue and before this weekend also we [haven’t had] a good performance. But, this weekend since [Free Practice] we had confidence and yeah, finally finished P2. It’s really good.”
Both Miyata and his teammate Victor Martins managed to qualify inside the top five—with the Frenchman finishing the session in P4. The Japanese driver credited a combination of the team’s and their own efforts into achieving the results they did today. At a track like Spa-Francorchamps with its long straights, he noted that securing a tow during Qualifying was key. Nonetheless, Miyata was delighted with the strong performance both ART cars have shown this weekend.
“Yeah, we always try to improve the car performance, for sure driving as well. But especially this weekend, both cars are in a really good position and [during Qualifying] also really [you] need to get a tow so we always try to maximise the best performance and yeah, both cars are really good.”
Eyes set on achieving first podium
In 2025, this will be Miyata’s second time starting on the front-row. Unsuccessful in converting his front-row start to a podium during the Sprint at the Imola GP, the Japanese driver would hope his maiden podium-finish comes his way this time round. With eyes set on making his first trip to the podium on Sunday, Miyata hopes it will be a clean and undisrupted race. Although a win would be ideal, the 25 year-old remained realistic—acknowledging that scoring solid points would still be a good outcome.
“For sure everyone finish, no crash, no safety car, it’s very good. And yeah, from my side is of course we want to get the podium. Of course, if we can win the race it’s the best but anyway, still [if] we couldn’t [achieve a podium] best [will be to] finish in the Feature Race, maybe [around a] P8 or P7. So we want to get as far as [to achieve the] podium and if it rains maybe it will be a tough race so we need to always try to do our best. So yeah, that’s it.”
Throughout the season, Miyata has struggled to qualify close to a consistently strong Martins. After winning the prestigious Super Formula title in 2023, he transitioned to the European racing scene in 2024 where he made his debut in several categories. With just one year of experience on European circuits—many of which his rivals have raced on for most of their careers—Miyata has undoubtedly faced a disadvantage compared to much of the field.
Smooth weekend execution rewarded with success
Acknowledging the challenges of F2, he drew to the series’ limited Free Practice running and one-lap nature of Qualifying. Reflecting on the setbacks of Silverstone, despite having the confidence to deliver a lap, technical issues have denied him the chance from executing a strong lap.
Miyata said: “Difficult question. Yeah, F2 is really difficult because, you know, the [Free Practice is] 45 minutes, but we can’t [have] many laps because the tyres also only one or two laps to push. And [Qualifying] is only one push each tyres.”
“And also this season I had some issue in [Qualifying], especially [last time out in] Silverstone. I had confidence, team also confidence, but, you know, that happened before push and I couldn’t [complete] any laps. So yeah, always like this.”
However, when things all come together like it did today, Miyata was pleased to achieve a rewarding result. While he admitted there was still something missing to fight for pole, he remains focused on consistently extracting the best performance out of the car as he can.
“But if without some reason, we can do like a full push for performance. That’s why today we finished P2. For sure [something is missing for pole] , but better than like before.”
“So yeah, but to be honest, we always try to do best performance. So but F2 is always difficult. Yeah, you know.”
For the Sprint Race, Miyata will start P9 alongside Rodin Motorsport and pole-sitter for Sunday’s race Alex Dunne. Hoping to charge through the field to points, the Japanese driver is in a great position for both races to add to his points tally this weekend.
