Rain man Antonelli clinches first F2 win in dominant style

©Prema

A supreme Andrea Kimi Antonelli defeated his rivals and the elements at Silverstone on Saturday to clinch his first win in the FIA Formula 2 Championship.

The Prema Racing and Mercedes junior delivered a masterclass despite the treacherous and wet conditions, the 17-year-old launching his race from pole – a position he had inherited on the reverse grid after qualifying P10 on Friday – and making the most of the rolling start to lead the field and never look back.

Zane Maloney finished second for Rodin Motorsport, more than 8 seconds behind Antonelli, while Invicta Racing’s Gabriel Bortoleto made a final corner pass on teammate Kush Maini to finish P3.

“Got my first win, really happy with the result,” commented Antonelli. “It was a difficult race in difficult conditions, but we managed pretty well and I’m really happy to bring home the first win of the season.”

It was a well-timed win for the young Italian who is in the running for a promotion to F1 with Mercedes next season. There’s no doubt that Toto Wolff will have been delighted with his protégé’s commanding victory.

©Formula2

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.