Simonazzi's Journey Through Junior Formula Racing
The path to professional motorsport is often a grueling climb through the lower formulae, where young drivers hone their skills in high-pressure environments. For Simonazzi, this journey has been defined by persistence and a steady progression through some of Europe's most competitive junior categories, moving from the foundational Italian F4 to the high-performance Euroformula Open and the global stage of FIA Formula 3.
Key Facts
- Debut: Started car racing in 2019 in the Italian F4 Championship.
- First Win: Achieved first car racing victories in the F2000 Italian Formula Trophy in 2021.
- Euroformula Peak: Finished 6th in the 2022 Euroformula Open standings.
- Major Victory: Won a race at the Red Bull Ring during the 2022 Euroformula Open season.
- Highest Category: Competed in the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2023.
The Early Years: Italian F4 and Lower Formulae
Simonazzi entered the world of car racing in 2019, debuting in the Italian F4 Championship—a primary entry point for young drivers transitioning to single-seaters—with Cram Motorsport. His rookie season was a steep learning curve; he scored points only once, securing an eighth-place finish at Imola. Due to missing the final two rounds, he concluded the year 22nd in the standings.
The 2020 season saw a more fragmented but productive approach. Simonazzi began the year with DRZ Benelli before moving to Jenzer Motorsport. During this period, he made a one-off appearance in the Spanish F4 Championship, where he secured the first podium of his career. He spent the latter half of the Italian F4 campaign with BVM Racing, eventually finishing 18th in the championship with a career-best sixth place at the Vallelunga season finale.
By 2021, Simonazzi continued his tenure with BVM in Italian F4. Despite competing in only four of the seven rounds, he managed to score 28 points, finishing 14th overall. That same year, he expanded his horizons by competing in the F2000 Italian Formula Trophy, where he claimed his first two victories in car racing.
Ascending to Euroformula Open
In 2021, Simonazzi played a pivotal role in BVM Racing's return to the Euroformula Open Championship, a high-level series known for its powerful cars. He competed in the final two rounds at Monza and Barcelona, earning a series of points finishes that placed him 18th in the standings.
The 2022 season marked a significant breakthrough. Serving as the sole driver for BVM Racing, Simonazzi overcame a slow start to secure his first podium at the Hungaroring. His crowning achievement came at the Red Bull Ring, where he claimed his first victory in the category. This win was inherited after the original winner, Vladislav Lomko, received a five-second penalty for a collision with Frederick Lubin.
The remainder of the 2022 season was a mix of highs and lows. While a collision with Christian Mansell at Monza resulted in Mansell's car flipping upside down, Simonazzi recovered to finish second in Race 1 at Barcelona. He ended the season 6th in the standings, though he was the second-lowest full-time competitor in that position, ahead only of Alex García.
Simonazzi remained a staple of the Euroformula Open, returning with BVM Racing for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. By 2025, he transitioned away from active competition in the series, opting instead for a developmental role within the BVM Racing organization.
Venturing into FIA Formula 3
In 2023, Simonazzi reached a new milestone by entering the FIA Formula 3 Championship, the final stepping stone before Formula 2. He joined Rodin Carlin for the final two rounds of the season, stepping in as a replacement for Max Esterson, who had returned to the GB3 Championship.
Career Summary Table
| Year | Series | Team | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Italian F4 | Cram Motorsport | Car racing debut |
| 2020 | Italian F4 / Spanish F4 | DRZ Benelli / Jenzer / BVM | First career podium (Spanish F4) |
| 2021 | Italian F4 / F2000 Trophy | BVM Racing | First two car racing wins (F2000) |
| 2022 | Euroformula Open | BVM Racing | Race win at Red Bull Ring; 6th in standings |
| 2023 | Euroformula Open / FIA F3 | BVM Racing / Rodin Carlin | Debut in FIA Formula 3 |
| 2024 | Euroformula Open | BVM Racing | Third consecutive season with BVM |
| 2025 | N/A | BVM Racing | Transitioned to developmental role |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Simonazzi first start racing cars?
Simonazzi made his car racing debut in 2019, competing in the Italian F4 Championship with Cram Motorsport.
Where did Simonazzi achieve his first win in the Euroformula Open?
He secured his first victory in the category at the Red Bull Ring during the 2022 season, inheriting the win following a penalty given to Vladislav Lomko.
Which team did Simonazzi drive for in FIA Formula 3?
Simonazzi raced for Rodin Carlin during the final two rounds of the 2023 FIA Formula 3 Championship.
What is Simonazzi's current role with BVM Racing?
As of 2025, Simonazzi has stepped away from the Euroformula Open as a driver and now serves in a developmental role for BVM Racing.
What was Simonazzi's best championship finish in Euroformula Open?
His best finish was 6th place in the standings during the 2022 season.