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The F2 Report: Zane Maloney to race at Yas Marina for Trident

James Fiorucci

The F2 Report: Zane Maloney to race at Yas Marina for TridentFormula 2 outfit Trident Racing has confirmed that Barbadian driver Zane Maloney will race for them at the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

It is yet to be seen whether Maloney will be racing full-time in F2 next year, but this is undoubtedly a big step in the right direction for the Formula 3 rookie.

The only driver to have secured a seat in the 2023 edition of the feeder series is Dennis Hauger, who will be racing for MP Motorsport. Maloney will therefore be looking to make the most of this golden opportunity that has presented itself to him.

This announcement has coincided with the premature departure of Calan Williams from Trident, who cited “professional reasons” for deciding to hang up his racing gloves earlier than expected. This gave Trident boss, Giacomo Ricci the chance to test out the skills of a bright young star.

It seemed as though Maloney was an obvious choice for him, as he stated: “We are very proud to be able to compete with Zane Maloney in the final event in the FIA Formula 2 Championship. We are  pleased to have Zane on board, once again this year.”

His career so far

The F2 Report: Zane Maloney to race at Yas Marina for Trident

Maloney also drove for Trident in this year’s F3 Championship. A shaky start to the season prevented him from securing the Drivers’ Title, as he finished a mere five points behind Frenchman Victor Martins. A late comeback consisting of 3 Feature race victories in succession certainly captured the attention of the F2 paddock however, and it seems as though a chance to race in the series directly below Formula 1 is part of the 19-year old’s natural progression.

But it’s not just his recent success in F3 that warrants a drive in F2. Still in his teenage years, Maloney only recently graduated from karting in 2018. His impressive adaptability was on display at the first time of asking, as he was crowned Champion of the 2019 British F4 Championship in what was his first season in an actual car. Hopefully the Barbadian will show the same level of flexibility in adapting his driving style at Yas Marina later this month.

What to expect at Yas Marina

The F3 runner-up has never driven around the Yas Marina Circuit before, so it will be a new challenge for him. Trident have stated that they will support him as much as possible in getting to understand the demanding circuit, stating: “We are confident that Trident will be able to provide him with the maximum support and dedication for the challenging Yas Marina Circuit.”

With an experienced teammate in the shape of Richard Verschoor pushing him every step of the way, and almost a month to go till the weekend kicks off on the 19th of November, Maloney should get plenty of advice and hours on the simulator in preparation for the event.

Maloney is of course very excited to be racing in an F2 race, and said the following: “I’m really looking forward to Abu Dhabi. It’s an opportunity to learn a lot before the end of the season and prepare me for what my future holds. Trident and I had a great year, so to do another race with them and Giacomo is a pleasure. Really looking forward to next weekend and it’s an amazing opportunity to keep improving myself on track.”