For the first time this season in Formula 2, Carlin’s Jehan Deruvala won after another eventful race at Monza.

By Tyler Foster

Starting from P2, after finishing P9 in the first sprint race, the Indian driver took the lead after getting the better start compared to pole sitter David Beckmann. Diving into turn one he held his advantage and tried to extend his lead. After a Virtual Safety Car period, Deruvala began to gap Beckmann and move out of his DRS range. 

Extending this gap to 5 seconds by lap 16, the rest of the race was fairly comfortable and a formality for Deruvala. This victory is the second of his Formula 2 career, after winning the last race of last season. He now moves up to P8 in the Championship this year with 71 points.

“I think it was a really well executed race from my side”, Daruvala told selected media including F1 Feeder Series. “I got a good start which was the plan; to break DRS as soon as possible. Also, there was less of a headwind than there was this morning so the tow was a little bit less effective which helped me out in the beginning. Once I found a rhythm, I had good pace and could slowly open the gap. Once it got to about five seconds I just tried to look after my tyres and keep them in good shape in case of a safety car or another VSC.”

Long time coming

While this is Deruvala’s first win of the season, he has not been out of contention, with this being his third podium. Carlin has shown pace throughout this year but at times have not been able to convert their opportunities. Daruvala was asked, whether he felt that this win was a long time coming.

“I think it is definitely overdue. We have been quick in the races, not so much in qualifying. My goal for this weekend was to make a step forward in qualifying and we did that. That was one step that we made and to win the race was another step. I think we start in the same place for tomorrow so if I start like that again I’ll have another chance of winning.”

Turning point

After such a long break for the Formula 2 paddock, this win may offer a chance of redemption for Deruvala who has otherwise been frustrated with results. With three rounds in the season still to go, he was asked whether he thought that this victory may prove a turning point for him.

“I’ve had some ups and downs this year. One good weekend followed by one bad weekend. I want to find a rhythm. Hopefully I can back this up tomorrow with a win or even a podium and then I’ll come back again in Sochi. When you qualify at the front it makes your life a lot easier so the main focus should always be qualifying. Once you’re at the front, you can manage your own pace and not drive behind a lot of cars. It just makes life a lot easier.”

Feature Race

After this impressive performance, the focus will shift to Sunday’s Feature Race where Jehan Deruvala will start P2, behind current championship leader and Formula 1 hopeful Oscar Piastri. The Indian driver was asked what his approach will be going into the Feature Race.

“Where I am in the championship right now, I’m just looking to win races. My goal is to get a good start tomorrow and I really have nothing to lose so I’ll just be on an all-out attack.”

The Feature Race starts at 10:25 CEST (9:25 BST) on Sunday morning.

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