Francesco Pizzi wins race 3 in F4 Misano opener, takes early championship lead

It has been an incredible Sunday for Francesco Pizzi at Misano. After taking a brilliant second place in race 1 on Saturday, the 15-year-old, fielded by team Van Amersfoort, delivered another podium with third place in race 2. Then in race 3, Pizzi took a masterclass win moving to the top of the driver championship.

In a hard-fought race 2, Pizzi got the nod on Minì, who was slower at the start, but slipped third in the first corners. After a long battle with Ugran, Francesco took the second position back and tried to approach the race leader, Rosso. 

In the final stages though, Ugran was strong and, not without some risk, he overtook Pizzi on the last lap. In the final corner, Minì attempted to snatch the podium from Francesco, who held on firm, keeping third place. 

The final race of the F4 Italia weekend at Misano saw Pizzi score his first win of the season. He got a brilliant start from P2 and passed Minì. He quickly gained a key advantage which he managed to keep for all the scheduled laps. Driving fast but remaining focused and consistent, Pizzi made himself unavailable to his rivals. 

The only concern was with a couple of laps to go when the Full Course Yellow was called for the spin of Ogaard, whose car stood still in the middle of the track. By regulation, pilots must proceed at low speed and who doesn't comply gets punished. Francesco was very careful and the race ended like this, under FCY, with Pizzi able to celebrate at the end of a tough weekend, but full of satisfaction with three podiums in his pocket.

Driver championship: 1.Pizzi 58; 2.Minì 55; 3.Ugran 45; 4.Rosso 29; 5.Beganovic 25; 6.Montoya 24; 7.Delli Guanti 22; 8.Fornaroli 14; 9.Bortoleto, Salmenautio 12, 11.Patterson 6; 12.Ogaard 1.