Trident Motorsport back to victory with inspired Clément Novalak
Trident Motorsport driver Clément Novalak achieved a stellar win in the Feature Race that opened and closed the 11th round of the 2023 FIA Formula 2 Championship at the Zandvoort track in the Netherlands. The 22-year-old from Avignon showed his competitive advantage on the dune circuit by setting an unmatchable pace for his rivals.
Fast lap after fast lap, the French driver built a safety margin that allowed him to confidently manage the final stages and sail to the win. After setting the 13th fastest lap time in a qualifying session marked by multiple stoppages, Novalak set up a perfect run, making no mistakes on a very treacherous track, and delivering a solid comeback run that allowed him, through great overtaking action, to gain the lead and power in the distance. The Frenchman also took advantage of a perfect timing choice by the team, which performed the tire change under Safety Car.
It was the first Formula 2 win for Novalak, while Trident Motorsport returned to the top step of the podium after the victory achieved with Richard Verschoor in the 2022 championship at Sakhir.
Roman Staněk also had a positive race after being 20th in qualifying, as his fast laps were interrupted by frequent red flags that fragmented the session and led to its early ending.
The Czech driver's comeback was halted in P11, close to the points zone. The win secured by Novalak, who also set the fastest lap in the race, is certainly the best foundation for Trident Motorsport ahead of the next round, scheduled at its home track next weekend in Monza.
Giacomo Ricci, Team Manager, Feature Race quote: “We are extremely satisfied to have found our way back to victory on such a technical and demanding track as Zandvoort. Novalak showed a winning race pace today and deservedly grabbed his first win in the championship. Thanks to repeated fast laps, he fully justified his win, which came at the end of a thorough comeback highlighted by the team's great timing for the pit stop under safety car conditions. Staněk also had a positive race as his comeback was stopped on the verge of the points zone. Today's win is the possible best encouragement ahead of the home event for the team next weekend at Monza."
Clément Novalak, Driver Trident Motorsport, Feature Race winner: “I'm thrilled to have gone back to victory after a long time. Today the Trident Motorsport technical staff provided me with a simply perfect car! After taking the lead, I expected my rivals to provide me with huge challenges. Instead, my race pace could not be matched and I easily gained a margin that allowed me to peacefully grab this important win."