The world’s most renowned street circuit will host the fifth round of the FIA F2 calendar this coming weekend. Hadjar, who has secured two consecutive victories in Sunday races, and Martí are among the favorites in one of the toughest events of the year
With barely a breather since the last chapter in Imola, the 2024 FIA Formula 2 season continues with another highly anticipated date for drivers and fans: the Monaco Grand Prix. The world’s most famous urban circuit will host two new races where Campos Racing drivers Isack Hadjar and Pepe Martí aim to be among the top finishers once again. With their Dallara F2 2024 cars in Red Bull colors, Hadjar and Martí look to continue their strong performances at one of the sport's most iconic venues, renowned for its history and glamourous ambience.
So far, the season has yielded great results for the Alzira-based team, with at least one of its drivers reaching the podium in each of the four preceding rounds. Hadjar, who started the season with a fourth place in Bahrain and then faced mechanical issues in Jeddah, returned to the points in the first Australian race with a sixth-place finish. On Sunday, Hadjar secured his first victory in the category in Melbourne. Just hours ago, the French Campos Racing driver repeated his success with a win in the Sunday feature race in Imola. With the saying “good things come in threes,” Hadjar will aim for the top step of the Monaco podium again.
Meanwhile, Martí will be giving it his all to overcome the misfortune that has plagued him in recent races. Despite the setbacks, the rookie already boasts two podium finishes in his record from Sakhir in early March. The young Barcelona driver has fond memories of the Monaco streets, where he claimed the second of his three FIA F3 victories last year.
Currently, Hadjar is third in the drivers' standings with 59 points, while Martí is eleventh with 26. In the teams' standings, Campos Racing leads with 85 points.
The Monaco Circuit is one of the oldest in motorsport, having hosted its first Grand Prix in 1929, prior to the formation of Formula 1 itself. At just 3.337 kilometers long, it offers no rest for drivers, who must constantly work the wheel. Corners like Sainte Devote, Mirabeau, and La Rascasse are legendary among fans. Unpredictability is the hallmark of this weekend, as anything can happen, particularly with the ever-present walls that leave no room for error. Traction is crucial, but as an urban circuit, the asphalt isn’t abrasive. Additionally, the cars always run with maximum downforce, further minimizing tire wear and degradation.
Everything in Monaco is unique, including the free practice sessions, which will take place on Thursday starting at 15:00. Qualifying will be on Friday, divided into two groups as usual for this event: Group A at 15:10 and Group B at 15:34. The sprint race is scheduled for 14:15 on Saturday, with the feature race on Sunday at 9:40. All times are in Spanish time zone.
Adrián Campos (Team Principal of Campos Racing): “Monaco is one of the favorite moments of the season, both for the atmosphere and glamour, and for the history that permeates the entire circuit over the weekend. It’s one of the toughest events of the year, because anything can happen. We arrive with high morale and in great shape after Isack’s two wins in Melbourne and Imola, so we will fight to keep this momentum going on the streets of Monaco. Pepe was incredibly fast last year in FIA F3, and in fact, he won one of the races, so he will be a driver to closely watch this weekend.”
Isack Hadjar (Campos Racing Driver in FIA Formula 2): ”Racing in Monaco is the best thing of the season, best track on the calendar! Ready to tackle this challenge as I am confident with last week’s results.”
Pepe Martí (Campos Racing Driver in FIA Formula 2): “Definitely one of the races you put a mark on the calendar for! Monaco is a special place and I have fond memories of my race in F3 last year, looking forward to this weekend!”
