With the first round of the 2021 Formula 2 season just around the corner the drivers are raring to go. Rookie or newcomer, every one of them are ready to make a mark. From Oscar Piastri to Theo Pourchaire, we asked a few of them what their goals are ahead of the opening round in Bahrain.

By Floris Visman

The 2021 Formula 2 season is set to be extremely competitive. Some of the biggest talents have stayed for a second year and the new crop of rookies harbours 2020 title winners. We asked Jehan Daruvala, Gianluca Petecof, Oscar Piastri and Theo Pourchaire on their ambitions.

Jehan Daruvala (22) had a great end to a difficult 2020 with Carlin by winning the final race of the year at Bahrain. With a year under his belt and having the advantage of a second year with the same team, he is ready to fight for the championship. “I am really looking forward to this year”, he said. “We have a good package and I’m confident if we deliver to our capabilities we can be a championship contender. So it’s important to be consistent and keep delivering results.”

One of multiple recent title winners Gianluca Petecof (18) is looking to emulate his countryman Felipe Drugovich in surprising a few people. He made the jump from the Formula Regional European Championship where he won the title, straight to Formula 2. “Following my title last year, we saw the chance to move up to F2 as a great opportunity to grow and test ourselves in a new environment at the highest level. I’m extremely grateful to Campos for believing in me, and my target with them this year is to surprise some people while seeking to bring the team back to the front where it belongs!”

While he’s just a rookie, nobody in their right mind would rule Oscar Piastri (19) out for a title charge. With the Formula Renault Eurocup and FIA F3 he won two championships in a row. With Prema he’s got a great team behind him. “This year, my rookie season, I’d like to be fighting for wins. I think if I can challenge for wins, then naturally the championship will take care of itself. Winning the championship will be tough, but I proved to everyone last year, and importantly myself, that I can achieve great results despite being a rookie.”

Piastri’s biggest challenger Theo Pourchaire (17) also enters Formula 2 this season. And don’t let his age fool you, he’s been storming the ranks successfully like no one else. And with ART he’s with a team that means business and knows how to deliver champions. “I feel ready for this new season, I can’t wait to drive Friday. I’m still really young and my goal is to improve myself race after race. I will give everything to get a good result this season and I know I have the potential for it. I have a good car, team, people around me, so I can only make a good season.”