Photo: Race Pictures

Champion surprised: title battle could reopen after stewards’ decision

15:33, 30 Nov

Updated: 16:04, 30 Nov

byKada Sarkozi

Leonardo Fornaroli was provisionally crowned F2 champion, but a penalty could still take the title away. The young Italian was surprised to hear the news during the press conference hosted for the champion.

"Okay I wasn't aware of that. It's not an ideal scenario for me."

- Leonardo Fornaroli

Until the final question of his press conference, the Italian did not know that his title could still be taken away. Arvid Lindblad is currently being investigated by the stewards for a Safety Car infringement. The Red Bull talent was recently summoned by the stewards.

That penalty could mean that Richard Verschoor gains a position, and two additional points in the standings. As a result, the gap would be at 39 points, which is exactly the amount of points that could be gathered during the final round of the Abu Dhabi GP.

Fornaroli at the champion's press conference in Qatar - Photo: GPblog

When told about this, Fornaroli was visibly surprised. He said: "Okay I wasn't aware of that. It's not an ideal scenario for me. If it happened I could do nothing about it. I mean I have to focus on the things I could control so in case that happened means I have to concentrate even more for next weekend."

The Italian was then comforted in the room after the press conference ended.

For Fornaroli, should he lose the title, he could still regain it in just five days if Verschoor fails to qualify on pole position in Abu Dhabi.

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