Three days of Formula 2 pre-season testing took place recently in Barcelona, providing teams and drivers a glimpse of what might lie in store when the 2025 season kicks off just two weeks from now. They had their chance to showcase their capabilities on track as much as they possibly can and set themselves up for what should be an action-packed year!
Discoveries from the F2 Testing Sessions
Testing sessions in Barcelona have proven invaluable as an opportunity for evaluation, strategy adjustments and performance shows. Many questions exist as to which teams will dominate; how newcomers fare against more experienced rivals; and who will claim championship titles.
Lap times and performances throughout the three days have provided early indicators, suggesting a competitive season ahead.
PREMA Racing and Gabriele Minì Showcase Strong Form
PREMA Racing enters the 2025 season with hopes of a turnaround after a challenging previous year. The team fields an exciting duo, including Gabriele Minì, the Formula 3 runner-up of 2024, who has already demonstrated his talent in Formula 2 with a podium finish during a guest appearance. Minì topped the time charts during the tests, indicating PREMA’s strong return to form. Alongside him, Sebastian Montoya is making significant progress, hinting at a formidable team pairing.
ART Grand Prix Aim for a Comeback
ART Grand Prix is another team looking to improve after a difficult 2024 season. With a refreshed approach and talented drivers, the team showed promise during the tests, consistently placing in the top 10 and securing a 1-2 finish in one of the sessions. This performance suggests ART Grand Prix could be on the path to recovery.
Frequent Red Flags Interrupt Testing
The pre-season testing was not without its interruptions, with 19 red flags across the sessions. These stoppages, caused by both rookie mistakes and challenges faced by experienced drivers, limited valuable track time. Nonetheless, they are an integral part of the learning and adjustment process in pre-season testing.
Rookies Make Their Mark
Testing sessions saw impressive performances by rookies, with newcomers often leading the timesheets on each day of testing. This reflects both an intense competitive atmosphere and potential surprises in the coming season; new talents are emerging ready to challenge established orders and make themselves known.
The Road to Australia and Beyond
Due to testing’s unpredictable conditions and interruptions, teams and drivers were still able to gain valuable data and insights during this year’s Barcelona testing sessions. With only brief practice sessions remaining before season opening in Australia begins on March 23, this 2025 season should prove exciting!