Making its championship debut this weekend, Madring offered a completely new challenge for drivers and teams. The 5.4-kilometre, 22-corner semi-urban circuit combines high-speed sections, heavy braking zones and technical sequences, leaving little room for error. Its standout feature, “La Monumental”, is a spectacular 550-metre banked corner with a 24% gradient, making Madring a particularly unique and demanding addition to the calendar.
Qualifying
A high-speed crash during Free Practice – from which he fortunately emerged unscathed – prevented Tasanopol from completing the session and gaining valuable experience on the track, particularly as none of the F2 drivers had raced there before, unlike the Formula 3 drivers. After making contact with the barrier early in the session, Kush was penalized for causing the interruption to qualifying. Both ART Grand Prix drivers were granted permission by race direction to take part in the two Madrid races.
Sprint Race
Kush collided with a rival and damaged his car on the opening lap, forcing him to retire. Tasanopol drove a smart race, avoiding the multiple traps of the Madring to climb from 21st to 15th position.
Feature Race
Kush’s strong start, which saw him gain three places in the opening lap, was ruined when a rival hit him on the third lap, forcing the Indian driver into retirement and triggering a neutralization.
Starting on hard tyres, Tasanopol took advantage of the neutralization to switch to soft tyres even before the pit window opened. He made several brave overtakes and was running in sixth place when a second neutralization came at the right moment, allowing him to make his mandatory pit stop while retaining sixth position and a strong pace.
Tasanapol INTHRAPHUVASAK
“I really like this circuit, where I won the final F3 race of last season, and I was pleased with my qualifying performance as it gave me the opportunity to target a strong points haul in both races.The Feature Race did not offer as many opportunities as I had hoped, an“I got off to a difficult start, but Madrid ultimately ended very well and demonstrated the know-how of the entire team. I would like to thank everyone for rebuilding a very effective car, which allowed me to feel confident – something that is essential on such a demanding circuit. I was able to gain quite a few positions on Saturday and Sunday, and the strategy put together by the team was magnificent!”
Sébastien PHILIPPE
“We started from a blank sheet of paper at the Madring, and things became even more complicated on the first day. The team rebuilt both cars, but we could hardly have had less track experience! Tas made the most of the situation in the Sprint and, in the main race, we took all the strategic risks, knowing that points were out of reach on pure pace. It paid off with this unexpected sixth place. Kush was ahead of Tas in the opening laps and, with the same strategy, he could have challenged for the podium had he not been involved in that accident.”
