Mirko Bortolotti celebrates his title - Photo Credit: FIA Formula Two Championship
Mirko Bortolotti wrapped up the FIA Formula Two Championship title in style with a superb victory on home soil in the second race at Monza.
Bortolotti started from pole position but it was Ramon Pineiro alongside him who got the better start and took the lead. Bortolotti regained first position though into the first chicane and then proceeded to open up an eight second margin before taking the checkered flag.
“I don’t have words to explain how I feel now, I think I have to realise it,” he said. “I’m just so happy. It’s been a really good weekend. Unfortunately, yesterday we were unable to get the maximum points even though the race was very good. The aim for today was just trying to take another win and after the pole position obviously that was the main aim.
“The race itself was quite interesting, my start was not so good and Ramon managed to pass me in the first chicane. After that I felt I can be a little bit quicker and tried to get with him in the first couple of laps. As soon as I had a chance I tried to get my nose inside and tried to pass him. Finally I managed and he was very fair in that spot and it could have ended another way for sure.”
Commenting on his title win he added: “For me it was just amazing. It was the aim to win the championship. Before the season you say many things and then you have to prove it on the track, that’s the main thing in racing so finally we did it and I cannot say how I feel, I’m so happy.”
Pineiro had to keep fellow Spaniard Miki Monras behind for the remainder of the race but succeeded to take second. Monras' third place was his first podium since the season opener at Silverstone.
Alex Brundle lost places at the start but worked his way back up to fourth past Luciano Bacheta. Christopher Zanella beat Jack Clarke to sixth by less than two tenths of a second. Kelvin Snoeks, Tobias Hegewald and Benjamin Lariche rounded out the top ten.
Race two results:
1. Mirko Bortolotti, 21 Laps
2. Ramon Pineiro, +8.861s
3. Miki Monras, +9.198s
4. Alex Brundle, +9.999s
5. Luciano Bacheta, +19.428s
6. Christopher Zanella, +20.281s
7. Jack Clarke, +20.416s
8. Kelvin Snoeks, +25.799s
9. Tobias Hegewald, +28.015s
10. Benjamin Lariche, +28.799s
