TSOLOV WINS FEATURE RACE IN AUSTRIA AS TITLE BATTLE TIGHTENS AT THE TOP
The Formula 2 Feature Race in Spielberg delivered another key chapter in a tightly fought championship, with Nikola Tsolov taking victory after a strong drive. The Campos Racing driver had an optimal start and a smart race management to secure his fourth win of the season, holding off a late challenge from Gabriele Minì. With this result, the title fight becomes even closer as the season enters its decisive phase.
The race was decided early on at the start. Tsolov, starting from the third row, made a perfect launch and immediately gained positions before Turn 1. He quickly moved ahead of Alexander Dunne and completed another move on pole-sitter Noel León at Turn 3, taking control of the race in the opening corners.
Soon after, the race was interrupted by a Safety Car caused by contact between Sebastián Montoya and Rafael Villagómez, both of whom retired from the race. This neutralised the early gaps and brought the field back together.
At the restart, Tsolov maintained the lead, while Gabriele Minì began to move forward, staying close to the front group and managing his position in the championship battle.
Pit stops reshuffled the order, with Oliver Goethe briefly finding himself in a strong position after extending his stint on soft tyres. Behind him, the fight for the lead became more intense as Tsolov and Dunne battled closely.
Tsolov lost and then regained the lead in a tense exchange, first being passed by Dunne before responding with a strong move at Turn 1 after capitalising on a small mistake from the Irish driver. From that point, the Campos driver settled into a strong rhythm at the front.
Minì stayed calm through the middle phase of the race, keeping himself in contention without taking unnecessary risks, knowing the importance of points in the championship fight.
The final part of the race was influenced by a Virtual Safety Car caused by Mari Boya stopping on track. After the restart, Minì made a decisive move on Dunne to secure second place in the running order and protect his championship lead.
The biggest change came in the closing laps when Oliver Goethe, on fresher tyres, produced a strong late charge. The MP Motorsport driver made a double overtake on Dunne and Rafael Câmara around Turn 4, moving into third place and securing his first Formula 2 podium.
Up front, Tsolov remained calm under pressure and controlled the gap to Minì to take a well-earned victory.
With this result, the title fight tightens even further. Gabriele Minì keeps the championship lead, but only just, as Tsolov closes the gap to just two points after his win.
Rafael Câmara finishes fourth and loses more ground in the standings after being unable to fully capitalise on late-race battles. The championship remains extremely close, with the main contenders now separated by only a handful of points as the season continues.
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