Young Italian Driver Leonardo Fornaroli Secures F2 Seat with Invicta for 2025 Season
Exciting news has emerged in the world of motorsport as young Italian driver Leonardo Fornaroli has signed with Invicta Racing for the upcoming 2025 Formula 2 season. This announcement comes hot on the heels of Fornaroli’s impressive victory in the Formula 3 championship at Monza, where he made history by becoming the first Italian to claim the title in its current format.
At just 19 years old, Fornaroli showcased his talent and determination by securing the F3 championship with a last-minute pass on fellow Italian driver Gabriele Mini. Mini, who initially crossed the finish line in second place, was later disqualified for using tyre pressures that did not meet the regulations, ultimately handing the championship to Fornaroli with a comfortable 23-point margin.
What makes Fornaroli’s achievement even more remarkable is the fact that he managed to clinch the championship without winning a single race, relying instead on consistent podium finishes throughout the season. This feat solidifies his reputation as a skilled and strategic driver, capable of delivering results even in the face of fierce competition.
Transition to Invicta Racing
Fornaroli’s move to Invicta Racing marks the end of a successful three-year partnership with Trident, with whom he competed in the Formula Regional European series in 2022 and both of his F3 campaigns. The decision to join Invicta, a powerhouse in the F2 championship, reflects Fornaroli’s ambition to continue his upward trajectory in the world of motorsport.
Invicta Racing, based in Norfolk, boasts an impressive lineup that includes 2023 F3 champion Gabriel Bortoleto and Kush Maini. The team’s strong performance in the inaugural year of Dallara’s F2 2024 chassis positions them as formidable contenders in the upcoming season, with Fornaroli poised to make his mark alongside his new teammates.
Expressing his excitement about the opportunity to compete in F2, Fornaroli shared, “I’m so happy to be able to celebrate winning the F3 championship with this news and I cannot wait to step up to F2 next season. Invicta Racing has proven itself over many years to be one of the best teams in F2, including this season.”
Challenges and Expectations
As Fornaroli prepares to make his debut in F2, questions arise about his ability to secure race wins in the highly competitive field. While his consistent performance in F3 earned him the championship title, the transition to F2 will test his skills against a tougher grid of drivers, where victory margins are often slim.
Fornaroli’s track record of single-seater successes dates back to 2021, with notable wins in the Central European Zone F4 and Italian F4 championships. However, his ability to translate that success to the F2 level remains to be seen, making his upcoming season with Invicta Racing a crucial proving ground for his talent and potential.
Despite the challenges ahead, Fornaroli remains optimistic about his prospects, stating, “To go from the best team in F3 to the best in F2 is a truly a dream come true.” With the support of his new team and a proven track record of performance, Fornaroli is poised to make a strong impression in the competitive world of Formula 2 racing.
Excitement at Invicta Racing
Invicta Racing team principal Andy Roche expressed his enthusiasm for welcoming Fornaroli to the team for the 2025 season, praising the young driver’s impressive achievements in single-seater racing. Roche’s confidence in Fornaroli’s abilities underscores the team’s belief in his potential to deliver exceptional results on the track.
“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Leonardo to the team for 2025,” said Roche. “Winning the F3 championship is an incredible achievement for him, and I have no doubt that he’ll do a brilliant job in 2025.”
With Fornaroli joining the ranks of Invicta Racing alongside F3 champion Gabriel Bortoleto, the team looks forward to building on their success and continuing to push the boundaries of performance in the upcoming F2 season. The addition of Fornaroli to the lineup further solidifies Invicta Racing’s position as a force to be reckoned with in the world of motorsport.
As Fornaroli prepares for his debut in F2 at the start of the 2025 campaign, he will have the opportunity to showcase his skills during the post-season test in Abu Dhabi, providing a glimpse of what fans can expect from the talented young driver in the upcoming season. With the support of his new team and his unwavering determination, Fornaroli is ready to take on the challenges and opportunities that await him in the world of Formula 2 racing.