PREMA kicks off final doubleheader of 2024 with Qatar debut
The FIA Formula 2 Championship is set for its final stint of 2024, coming back from its autumn break, and the series will wrap the season up with a Middle Eastern doubleheader between Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. PREMA Racing will be lining up at Lusail International Circuit for the penultimate round of the year, and it will be the team's first competitive outing at the fast and twisty venue.
Kimi Antonelli will spring back into action after his podium finish in the previous round at Baku. The Italian rookie has two wins so far and showed increasingly good speed potential. He will enter the weekend sixth in driver points with his sights set on more gains. On the other hand, Ollie Bearman will return to the championship after his call-up to F1 in Azerbaijan. The British racer has one win and a points finish in his previous outing at Monza and wants to add more success to his score for the year.
Featuring medium and high-speed corners, the 5.4 venue has one of the most abrasive surfaces of the season and will require careful management. In addition, except for the long straight, passing is also set to be tricky with the circuit layout, and good qualifying and race execution will definitely provide an advantage. Series supplier Pirelli has decided to bring the P-Zero White Hard tyres as the prime choice, and the P-Zero Yellow Medium as the option.
RENÉ ROSIN - Team Principal
"We couldn’t wait to get back on track and we are super determined as FIA Formula 2 is heading into the two final rounds of the year. The Lusail circuit will be a tricky one to master due to its characteristics and layout. In addition, with no prior running there, it will be key to learn it quickly and maximize what we can extract from the package. However, Ollie and Kimi look very motivated. We hope to start the weekend well and then execute it smoothly through and through."
Weekend Timetable*
Friday, November 29th, 2024
14:05 - Free Practice
19:10 - Qualifying
Saturday, November 30th, 2024
19:20 - Race 1
Sunday, December 1st, 2024
15:20
* All times local