Guanyu Zhou wins frantic second FIA Formula 2 race in Abu Dhabi
Formula One graduate Guanyu Zhou claimed victory in a frantic second FIA Formula 2 race in Abu Dhabi.
Guanyu Zhou celebrates his FIA Formula 2 victory in Abu Dhabi. (Formula Motorsport Limited)
Reverse pole-sitter Marcus Armstrong led away from the line but suffered a race-ending mechanical failure which put him out of contention.
Zhou inherited the lead of the race as the pack celebrated the second last day of the season in a manic race behind him.
Ralph Boschung and Guanyu Zhou held their positions behind Armstrong at the start, while the rest of the field scrapped through the redesigned Yas Marina circuit.
Piastri and Liam Lawson were the first to bang wheels as the field ran four-wide at times, with the Kiwi falling to eighth and Piastri down to thirteenth.
The recently-crowned champion was handed a five-second penalty for his efforts.
Contact between Alessio Deledda and Olli Caldwell brought out the safety car, with Deledda retiring from the race.
Piastri started a fresh charge through the field, passing Roy Nissany and Jüri Vips in one move.
The pair came back at the Australian and Nissany made a bold move down the inside, sending Piastri into Vips.
Nissany was able to continue but Piastri and Vips were both forced to retire.
Guanyu Zhou, Robert Shwartzman, and Ralph Boschung celebrate on the podium in Abu Dhabi. (Formula Motorsport Limited)
Marcus Armstrong led away for the second safety car restart, but he suffered a mechanical failure at the restart and retired from the race.
Zhou was past Boschung just prior to the safety car and inherited the lead, voicing his disappointment for the retiring New Zealander in a sign of sportsmanship.
"Victory in Sprint Race 2 is very important for me at the end of my F2 career," said Zhou.
"I have one more race left tomorrow and I want to thank the team, we made a huge improvement from the first race to the second."
"I am super happy with what we have achieved, it is a huge relief, and I am happy to be on the top step again."
Shwartzman passed Boschung as the virtual safety car period ended for second place and held it to the flag.
Liam Lawson finished sixth after his earlier battle with Piastri, while Aussie Jack Doohan crossed the line in eighth.
The 2021 FIA Formula 2 season returns for the final feature race on Sunday with Piastri on pole ahead of Jack Doohan.
