F2 | FP | Qatar GP | Fornaroli sets the pace in Practice - Motorsport

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Formula 2 heads to the Lusail International Circuit for the Qatar GP, where the penultimate round of the 2025 season begins with Free Practice. At this stage of the championship, Leonardo Fornaroli remains at the top of the standings; however, four other drivers remain firmly in contention and are still within reach of the title.

In addition to the title fight, the grid welcomes two fresh faces. Both Nikola Tsolov and James Wharton will make their Formula 2 debuts this weekend after competing in Formula 3 this season. Tsolov will continue with Campos Racing in F2 next year, while Wharton joins Trident alongside Laurens van Hoepen for this round.

Meanwhile, the Teams’ Championship battle is intensifying. Invicta Racing currently leads the standings, yet Hitech TGR remains within striking distance, ensuring the closing rounds will be crucial. With so much at stake across both championships, the pressure is building as the season approaches its finale.

Verschoor strong out the gates

Verschoor was the first driver to set the pace, opening the session with a 1:41.163, while championship leader Fornaroli followed close behind, just two tenths off. Shortly after, Kush Maini became the first driver to test the limits of the circuit, running wide into the new gravel trap.

As the session progressed, Turns 8 and 9 continued proving difficult, with several drivers dipping wheels into the gravel as they pushed for early improvements.

Luke Browning took control at the top of the timing screens with a 1:39.701, and he wasn’t done yet, improving moments later to a 1:39.285.

However, Fornaroli responded, moving back to the top with a 1:39.064, putting two tenths between himself and Browning. With 15 minutes remaining, Stanek held P3, followed by Verschoor, Dunne, Villagomez, Mini, Goethe, Montoya, and Martins rounding out the top ten.

Drivers testing the limits

Wharton had a big moment on track after running wide into the gravel, briefly triggering a yellow flag. Not long after, Browning experienced a similar excursion, also running off line as drivers continued pushing the limits early in the session.

As the times began to improve, Beganovic moved up to P2, narrowing the gap to just 0.044s from the top spot. Stenshorne and Lindblad were also caught out, both running wide and joining the growing list of drivers struggling with track limits. Browning then had yet another off-track moment, pushing his Hitech TGR car hard through the final corner.

By the conclusion of the session, only Fornaroli and Beganovic managed to dip into the 1:38s. Dunne secured P3, with Browning settling into P4 and Stanek rounding out the top five. With many drivers pushing the limits and finding the gravel, it’s all to play for in Qualifying.