United States Grand Prix — Practice 3

1HAM1:34.893
2VER+0.168
3LEC+0.234
4ANT+0.303
5RUS+0.488
6PIA+0.638
7HUL+0.698
8NOR+0.813
9GAS+1.011
10HAD+1.037
11LAW+1.038
12LIN+1.188
13BOR+1.283
14BEA+1.342
15COL+1.358
16ALO+1.562
17OCO+1.849
18STR+2.238
19ALB+2.775
20SAI+2.818
21PER+2.991
22BOT+3.872

News

Rafael Câmara targets Spa Feature Race win after Sprint P6

Rafael Câmara takes sixth in the F2 Sprint at Spa but starts Sunday’s Feature Race from pole, targeting a second rookie-season victory.

Rafael Câmara targets Spa Feature Race win after Sprint P6
© FIA Formula 2 via Getty Images

Câmara banks points, but keeps Sunday victory in sight

Rafael Câmara emerged from Saturday’s Formula 2 Sprint Race satisfied with sixth place, but the Invicta Racing driver’s focus quickly shifted to a bigger opportunity: converting pole position into a second victory of his rookie season.

Câmara made progress from the start and secured his final points-paying position with a last-lap move on Montoya. He also battled Alex during the closing stages, narrowly missing out on another place. The result added valuable points to his championship campaign, while giving him a clearer picture of what will be required in Sunday’s Feature Race.

Image
© FIA Formula 2 via Getty Images

“I’m quite happy with the race,” Câmara said. “I managed to get a good start and after that good positioning in T1, so I was able to gain some positions.”

The Brazilian said the race became increasingly difficult once the field formed a DRS train. With cars closely matched, finding enough speed to complete a pass into T5 or the final chicane proved challenging. That made the Sprint a useful preparation exercise, particularly with a mandatory pit stop and strategy set to shape Sunday’s longer race.

DRS battles provide a strategic read

Câmara believes the experience will help him judge overtaking opportunities more precisely in the Feature Race. Managing the gap, positioning the car correctly and executing moves efficiently will be central to making progress when the field is less compressed by DRS-running.

Image
© FIA Formula 2 via Getty Images

“I think it’s good to have an idea on how to better prepare your overtakes or how you need to position yourself, how you can manage that gap better, because in the DRS train it’s quite tough to pass,” he explained.

The Sprint’s late battles therefore offered more than points. They provided Invicta and Câmara with data to review before Sunday, when different race scenarios and the pit-stop window will add another layer of complexity. His sixth-place finish followed a fourth Formula 2 pole at Spa, secured in Friday’s qualifying session.

Image
© FIA Formula 2 via Getty Images

Pole position raises expectations

Câmara remains positive about his prospects. He said the car’s pace was strong in qualifying and that the team can fine-tune its package after studying the Sprint data. Invicta is also pursuing a fourth consecutive F2 victory at Spa-Francorchamps, although Câmara insisted that recent success would not alter the team’s method.

“We’re just focusing on ourselves and trying to do the best we can,” he said.

With pole position already secured, the target is clear: turn Saturday’s useful points haul into a much larger championship gain on Sunday.

Choose what you allow. Apart from the necessary storage, nothing is used until you agree. Read the cookie policy

Necessary

Remembers your cookie choices and your preferred language. The site cannot work properly without them.

Always active