SMP Racing driver Michael Belov took part in the sixth round of the Italian Formula 4 Championship on October 4-6 at the Italian Mugello circuit.
In two qualifying rounds on Friday Belov was nine fastest among 28 drivers, but managed to improve his result in the races. In the first and third races, Michael got very close to his closest rivals and finished in fifth place. In Race 2, the Russian was classified ninth.“The weekend was not easy, in both qualifying rounds I was nine fastest,” Michael Belov said. “In the first race I had a good start, but due to speed problems on a straight line, most of the race I defended more than attacked. The second race was quite similar. I started well, but since I drove on the same tyres as in the morning race, the pace was low. I had to spend more time on fending off the attacks, so I didn't have a chance to gain positions and finished in ninth place.
The third race was better, especially since we had a new set of tyres. The start was not bad and even though I didn’t gain potions, I managed to keep mine. Although there was a lack of a sufficient straightline speed, I was still able to overtake one of my rivals. The other driver in front of me made a mistake and went off the track, so I ended up in fifth place and kept it to the finish.”
Michael Belov scored 143 points so far and currently holds fourth place in the overall standings among thirty-eight drivers.
The final, seventh round of the Italian Formula 4 Championship will take place on October 18-20 at the Italian circuit in Monza.