F3: Colapinto secures maiden championship with a last-lap pass in Imola Sprint Race

Franco Colapinto converted pole position into his and Van Amersfoort Racing’s maiden FIA Formula 3 victory during a frantic Sprint Race at Imola.

Colapinto trailed fast-starting Caio Collet for much of the 20-lap Sprint Race but snatched the first place with a move along the main straight on the final lap to register the win. Collet, who led for much of the race after passing pole man Colapinto on the fourth lap, left empty-handed after being involved in a clash mere seconds after losing the top spot.

The Alpine-backed youngster was involved in a collision with fast-charging Red Bull junior Isack Hadjar on the approach to the first chicane and ended up being pitched into the gravel. The clash between Collet and Hadjar promoted Victor Martins and Jak Crawford into the podium positions, and their fierce duel was only settled on the dash to the line – the pair separated by just 0.06s.

Nothing beats that winning feeling 😍#ImolaGP #F3 @FranColapinto pic.twitter.com/onvmZyEpWm

— Formula 3 (@Formula3) April 23, 2022

Roman Stanek was a beneficiary of the late drama to move into fourth place ahead of Hadjar, who was able to keep going through the gravel after his collision with Collet. Stanek’s Trident Motorsport teammates Zane Maloney and Oliver Rasmussen pocketed sixth and seventh, respectively, ahead of Kaylen Frederick.

Alexander Smolyar was ninth, while Rafael Villagomez gainedten0 spots from his starting position to round out the top 10 and grab the final point on offer. Formula 3’s Feature Race at Imola, where Maloney starts on pole ahead of Stanek, is scheduled for 08:50 local times on Sunday.