The second free practice (FP2) session ahead of the opening round of the SIMGEAR F4 Summer Challenge took place at Laguna Seca, featuring a significantly larger grid and challenging track conditions.
A total of 17 drivers joined the three-hour sim racing session, nearly doubling the participation from FP1. However, higher track temperatures made for slower lap times compared to the previous run. Ambient conditions reached 21°C, with a scorching 48°C on the tarmac, moderate winds at 11 km/h, and humidity just below 40%.
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Topping the timesheets was Nikolas Stanev, setting the benchmark with a 1:20.990 lap. Close behind him was Bjorn Kok, making his SIMGEAR debut, just 0.06 seconds off the pace at 1:21.050. Stefan Bostandjiev, a real-world competitor in the British Formula 3 Championship, took third with 1:21.117.
Several other drivers made their first official appearance before the championship kickoff, including:
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Gian Zoutewelle
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Mertol Shahin, returning to SIMGEAR and expected to be a strong contender this season
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Tom Cordey
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Ventsislav Raychinov, last season’s GT Masters runner-up finished second overall
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Peter Iliev, also debuting in SIMGEAR
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Kenny Campos, who joined the session but didn’t manage to set a lap time
With 58 out of 60 grid slots filled, the championship is almost at full capacity, setting the stage for an intense and action-packed start to the SIMGEAR F4 Summer Challenge.
