FIA Formula 2

Jack Doohan nails bold strategy for first victory of 2023

Andrew Rickert

Jul 23, 2023 — 3 min read

Jack Doohan took his first victory of the FIA Formula 2 season in Hungary as he managed his tyre life and stayed out longer than his competitors to score a grand chelem on his return to the top spot of the podium.

Jack Doohan celebrates in pit lane after winning the Formula 2 feature race in Hungary. *(Formula Motorsport Limited)*

The Australian got away well and set about building a lead over his competitors as Frederik Vesti went wheel-to-wheel with Victor Martins to steal second on the opening lap.

Doohan build his lead in the green flag running and finally pitted on lap 25 as his challengers dropped off, returning to the track with a lead of almost 9 seconds over Vesti.

Vesti held on for second to extend his lead of the drivers’ standings, with Martins holding on for second.

“Amazing race,” said Doohan.

“Honestly, it was quite perfect so I’m very happy.”

“Good start and a really good stint on the options followed by a better one on the mediums.”

“All went to plan today and an awesome stop by the boys and an amazing car so thank you so much to Invicta Virtuosi and I’m looking forward to next weekend in Spa-Francorchamps.”

Frederik Vesti, Jack Doohan, and Victor Martins on the podium in Hungary. *(Formula Motorsport Limited)*

Doohan scored a grand chelem, winning the race from pole while leading every lap and setting the fastest lap time for maximum points.

Second-place finisher Vesti holds a lead of 11 points in the standings, with 153 points to Théo Pourchaire’s 142 points, while Martins progresses to fourth behind Ayumu Iwasa after his podium. Doohan moves up to fifth on 100 points after the victory and a resurgence in the latter half of the season.

“It’s honestly what I’ve wanted to do since the start of the year and what I believe I’ve been capable to do,” said the Australian of his first win of the 2023 Formula 2 season.

“Coming into this weekend, and all year, nothing’s really changed in the approach, just getting a little bit more and more resilient with things going on.”

“So I’m super happy that we had a smooth race today. The team did an awesome stop, the car was on rails, we made good steps forward from yesterday, and to finish it off with mega pace on both tires, that was awesome.”

The FIA Formula 2 field returns 28-30 July in Spa-Francorchamps before the summer break, the tenth of thirteen rounds in the 2023 season with everything still to play for in the drivers' championship.

It was the site of a victory for Doohan last year, who says he is confident he can take the same level of performance into the 2023 event.

“I love the place, we had a great car, but things evolve, times change, and we need to push even harder to make sure we can try and replicate something like that.”

“I just want to keep this consistency up, keep this pace, that I’ve believed I have had all year.”

“So, I’m very excited going into the remaining four rounds.”

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2023 FIA Formula 2 Championship - Round 10 Hungary Feature Race