Jul 9

Jul 9 Victor Martins takes maiden Formula 2 victory at Silverstone despite penalty

Victor Martins overcame a five-second penalty to take his maiden FIA Formula 2 victory in the feature race at Silverstone.

Victor Martins celebrates his maiden Formula 2 victory on the podium at Silverstone. *(Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images / Formula Motorsport Limited)*

Martins went past polesitter Ayumu Iwasa on the opening lap for the lead, but made the move beyond the track limits and was handed a five-second penalty by the stewards.

The Frenchman set about building his lead, reaching 4.5 seconds before the safety car was deployed for a spun car and the field packed in once again.

Martins dived in to take his mandatory pit stop, learning of his penalty shortly after racing resumed after a second safety car.

As the alternate strategy runners fell to the wayside, it was Martins against the clock, building a five-second buffer over second-place Zane Maloney to claim his first victory in the category.

“Finally, a feature race win!” said Martins.

“Everything went right. We did a mega job, honestly, I had a penalty, but I felt I wasn’t deserving it. So, I just fully sent it, and we got our first win. A mega job from the team, the car was just amazing, and the first win is always special so I will enjoy the moment.”

Zane Maloney, Victor Martins, and Théo Pourchaire celebrate their podium finish in the FIA Formula 2 feature race at Silverstone. *(Joe Portlock / Getty Images / Formula Motorsport Limited)*

Théo Pourchaire completed the podium, taking valuable championship points with series leader Frederik Vesti out after contact. Clipped from behind by Dennis Hauger, Vesti went straight into Stanek and brought out the second safety car.

Kush Maini brought out the safety car for a third time, attempting a move past Ollie Bearman but diving into the rear of teammate Ralph Boschung in the process.

Jack Doohan held on for fourth, a good result for the Australian in his return to form after taking third in the sprint race on Saturday.

The FIA Formula 2 field returns 21-23 July in Budapest.

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2023 FIA Formula 2 Championship - Round 9 Britain Feature Race Result