March 21, 2025

 

After an imperious showing in Australia, Malta Force kept the pressure firmly on their rivals with another commanding display at Istanbul Park, as Formula Sprint 1 returned to Turkey for the first time since 2020.
Pawel Andrzejewski and Mateusz Majka once again proved to be the benchmark, locking out the front row in qualifying and converting that into a flawless 1-2 finish in Race 1. Andrzejewski edged his teammate by just half a second at the flag, with Nexium's Patryk Roszak in third after a valiant effort to split the Maltese outfit. But when the dust settled, it was Malta Force who again stood tall.

Qualifying: Malta Force on Top, But Pressure Builds

It was Malta Force who once again proved their dominance over a single lap. Pawel Andrzejewski took a commanding pole position with a 1:30.053, narrowly edging out Patryk Roszak (Nexium) by just 0.036s. Andrzejewski's teammate and Race 1 winner from Australia, Mateusz Majka, lined up third, ensuring Malta Force locked out the sharp end of the grid once more.

Behind them, Giuseppe Saracino (Shiba) continued to impress, qualifying in fourth, while Oliver Taras (Apex GP) rounded out the top five. There was a noticeable tightness to the field this weekend: the top 20 were separated by less than eight-tenths, highlighting just how closely matched the midfield has become.

Elsewhere, Janson Bintz (Pixelate) and Jasse Lahtinen (Apex GP) both broke into the top ten with strong performances, while Frank Hamming (HGP) and Lucas Thylin (KKR) hinted they might be in the hunt on race day.

Race 1: Malta Force Hold Off the Challengers

The first race followed a familiar script: Malta Force asserting their authority at the front. Andrzejewski got away cleanly and controlled the pace from the outset, with Majka settling in behind him. Roszak, despite a great start, couldn't find a way past the two red-and-black machines and had to settle for third after applying pressure throughout the opening stint.

Behind the front three, there were some eye-catching drives. Saracino stayed consistent in fourth, while Jasse Lahtinen made the most of a clean race to climb into the top five. Lucas Thylin impressed once again with a strong sixth-place finish, putting in a measured drive to bank more valuable points for KKR.

Mateusz Guzowski (Nexium) was one of the big movers in the midfield, rising from P17 to P8, showing clear signs of improvement. Likewise, Frank Hamming showed determination to drag his HGP into the points, finishing tenth after starting all the way back in P19.

However, there were a few disappointments too. Oliver Taras, having qualified fifth, dropped to 12th by the flag, his pace seemingly deserting him after the pit stop phase. Thomas Smit and Massimiliano Ribolli, both expected to challenge for points, finished well down the order following tough races.

Race 2: Bintz Breaks Through, Midfield Mayhem

With the reverse grid format in play, it was Mateusz Guzowski on pole after his P8 finish in Race 1, but it was Janson Bintz who made the most of the opportunity. The Pixelate driver timed his start perfectly, seized the lead early and never looked back, holding off Lucas Thylin in a thrilling chase to claim his first win of the season.

Guzowski didn't fall far, though. The Nexium driver showed resilience, holding on to third ahead of a fast-charging Mateusz Majka, who stormed through the field to finish fourth. It was a statement drive from the reigning champion, who clearly has no intention of relinquishing his crown without a fight.

Lahtinen and Hamming rounded out the top six, continuing their consistent points-scoring form. Andrzejewski, starting further back due to the reverse grid, fought his way to seventh, salvaging a respectable points haul for Malta Force.

Further down, there were strong recoveries from Vin Glenn, who charged from P29 to P20, and Raymond van Soest, who also gained eight positions. However, it was a miserable outing for Roszak. After a stellar Race 1 performance, the Nexium driver was tagged in an early incident and retired on the opening lap - a major blow to his championship momentum.

Championship Picture: Malta Force Still the Team to Beat

Two rounds in and the storyline remains consistent: Malta Force are leading the charge. With three wins from four races and both Andrzejewski and Majka regularly appearing at the front, the team has laid a solid foundation for a title defence. However, the competition isn't far behind.

Nexium continue to show flashes of brilliance, and if Roszak can recover from his Round 2 setback, they'll remain a threat. Shiba and Apex GP also look strong, with Saracino and Lahtinen both delivering quietly consistent results.

The midfield, meanwhile, remains a battlefield. From Pixelate to KKR, from OverPower to Iris, the margins are razor-thin; and Turkey proved that anyone on the grid can fight for a top ten finish on their day.

As we look ahead to Round 3, one thing is clear: while Malta Force may be the favourites, the pack behind is hungry, unpredictable, and closing in. Expect more twists and turns when Formula Sprint 1 returns.