Qualifying :
Significantly higher track temperatures than those experienced in Free Practice made qualifying particularly challenging, with drivers limited to a single push lap per set of tyres. Taito secured an excellent fifth place. Maciej and Kanato were running sixth and seventh before the final runs but were unable to improve, ending the session in 14th and 15th respectively. A post-session penalty later dropped the Polish driver to 17th on the grid for both races.
Sprint race :
Taito experienced an issue at the start of the formation lap, which prevented him from lining up on the grid and forced him to start from the pit lane. Despite this setback, he produced an impressive recovery drive from the back of the field to finish 15th.Just ahead of him, Kanato nearly stalled at the start but went on to gain 13 positions over the course of the race.Maciej also fought his way forward and crossed the line in 12th place, but another penalty dropped him to 23rd in the final classification.
Feature race :
A strong wheelspin cost Taito several positions at the start, while Kanato and Maciej moved forward. At the end of the opening lap, the three ART Grand Prix drivers were running 10th, 12th and 13th respectively. Three Safety Car periods and a tightly packed DRS train then limited any further progress. Taito secured two points for ninth place, while Maciej claimed the final point in 10th. Kanato finished outside the points in 13th position.
Taito KATO
“We had the pace to fight for pole position, but traffic prevented us from putting together the lap we were capable of. I had two poor starts that compromised our chances of fighting for a podium finish and we definitely have to fix this. But our race pace was among the strongest all weekend. As a rookie, I feel that I am improving every session, and with the valuable support of the team, I am confident we can soon be fighting consistently for top-three positions in both qualifying and the races.”
Sébastien PHILIPPE
“We can be pleased with securing our second-best qualifying result of the season, even if there is some frustration at not fully converting our potential into points. The Sprint Race was particularly challenging, but the drivers and team stayed focused and showed strong pace throughout the weekend. Despite a difficult Feature Race as well, their mindset and determination were exemplary. If we keep working this way, the results will come.”
