Mixed results for F1 Academy Aussies
Both Joanne Ciconte and Aiva Anagnostiadis made history by being the first Aussies to race in F1 Academy and experienced highs and lows in Shanghai.
Whilst Ciconte made headlines in qualifying by posting the sixth fastest time, while Anagnostiadis impressed in the Feature by working her way up to eighth.
Both teenagers had experienced a rapid rise to the biggest female series in racing with little car racing experience before being thrown onto the big stage at Chinese Grand Prix.
But the pair came to grips with the Tatuus F4-T421 across a series of recent tests ahead of the opening round.
Anagnostiadis qualified 16th for HiTech, while Ciconte not only raised eyebrows for being the youngest ever driver in the championship at 16, but also for her speed.
Qualifying sixth with a 2:04.146 not only made a statement with her first drive, but also gave her third spot on the grid for the Sprint where the top eight were reversed.
“Starting out of P3 for Race 1 is such a euphoric feeling. I’m super focused to make the most of this incredible opportunity,” said Ciconte ahead of her first race start.
Aiva Anagnostiadis in the Shanghai paddock. Image: Hitech
However, things did not go to plan as a series of team inflicted penalties ruined her dreams of a strong result.
The MP Motorsport driver received a 10s stop go penalty due to the team adjusting tyre pressures outside of the permitted time.
Sitting as high as ninth and having initially tried to take the penalty under yellow flag conditions, Ciconte received the further blow of being hit with another 10s penalty and as a result was 14th, the lowest placed finisher.
However, waving the Aussie flag with pride was Anagnostiadis as she made strong progress throughout the race and soared from 16th to eighth and give her country and team their first taste of F1 Academy points.
Having made eight spots in 13 laps she ended up just a second away from seventh placed Alba Larsen, but it was a great boost for the 17-year-old and a strong start to her F1 Academy career.
Up front Alisha Palmowski was victorious in a drag race to the line with Campos teammate Chloe Chambers as Nina Gademan led all the way until an issue on the penultimate lap.
Unfortunately, Ciconte’s luck did not turn on Sunday.
Despite making up some early ground, Ciconte was rear ended by Chloe Chong, which saw the Aussie spinning across Turn 8 and into the path of Aurelia Nobels and Nicole Havrda.
It was a cruel end to a weekend that started with so much promise for Ciconte.
“Sadly, my car was rear-ended in the opening laps today, so again, I didn’t get the opportunity to show my pace,” she said following the crash.
“There’s still a lot to learn, but the car felt strong and I’m excited for what’s ahead. This is just the beginning.”
Anagnostiadis was able to avoid the chaos, but struggled to show the same speed as Saturday and finished 13th.
Mercedes backed driver Doriane Pin managed to work her way 2s clear of Weug and take victory.
After taking in a mountain of information on debut, both Aussies will be determined to make a step forward in the next round in Jeddah on April 18-20.
Main image: Supplied
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