Dominant Joshua Dürksen takes Formula 2 sprint victory in Melbourne
Joshua Dürksen took his second race win in a row in FIA Formula 2 after taking out the season finale at Abu Dhabi last year.
MELBOURNE–Paraguayan Joshua Dürksen took victory in the FIA Formula 2 sprint race in commanding fashion at Albert Park circuit.
The AIX Racing driver took the team to the top step in their first weekend under the Emirati flag, repeating his form in the Formula 2 season finale at Abu Dhabi last year.
“Very happy with the result today, P1," said Dürksen.
"Finished the season last year with a victory and starting the season with a victory is always a great feeling."
"So, really happy, car was great, I was struggling a bit at the beginning but then I could find myself and have good pace. Very thankful to all the team, my sponsors, to God, and just enjoying this moment.”
Dürksen started second behind favourite Leonardo Fornaroli, making a fantastic start to move into the lead by turn one.
The race was then neutralised as Victor Martins brought out the virtual safety car after hitting the barrier at turn five.
Dürksen took a massive advantage at the restart as Fornaroli came under pressure from Luke Browning. The Italian was able to hold the position but lost ground to the leader who sped away from the pack.
It was a horrible day for Trident, with Max Esterson spinning into the gravel at turn six, bringing the safety car full safety car, before teammate Sami Meguetounif spun at turn ten to pause the race for a third time shortly after.
At the front, Dürksen managed his third restart to build a lead yet again over Fornaroli and Browning, this time with a DRS train snaking behind them all the way back to Alex Dunne in tenth.
The AIX racing driver held his lead ahead of the train to take victory by almost 2.2 seconds ahead of Fornaroli and Browning, who said the processional race limited hopes for anyone further down the field.
The FIA Formula 2 field returns for the first feature race of the year at 11.30am on Sunday ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.
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