Sprint Race 1 at Formula 2 in Sochi had to be delayed after appalling rain made it difficult for the FIA to give clearance for the race to start. The race was then delayed and had to start moments after the qualifying round of Formula 1. Jehan Daruvala started the race from P9 on the grid due to the reverse grid regulation. Even though he had a great start, his one mistake cost him a points finish and crossed the checkered flag in P12. So, let us find out how his race panned out.
Daruvala started the race from P9 on the grid after qualifying P2. Due to the reverse grid regulation, Daruvala had to start from the middle of the grid, but his quali performance proved that he had the pace to fight in the race. The conditions were next to appalling as cars were spinning on the track during the formation lap.
Despite the conditions, Daruvala had a decent start off the line and managed to stay out of trouble into the first turn. But soon after a safety car in lap six, he came under pressure from Oscar Piastri, but Daruvala was able to keep his nose ahead. He soon found the rhythm and started reeling in the contenders ahead.
Another VSC halted the race in lap nine after Liam Lawson crashed and hit the wall, damaging his suspension. The restart proved to be beneficial for Daruvala as he got the jump on Ralph Boschung, who was busy defending from Théo Pourchaire. In the end, Daruvala got ahead of both of them to secure P5.
By lap 11, Daruvala was setting the fastest laps of the race and was slowly catching the drivers ahead. But a wrong judgement caught the Indian driver out. Daruvala went on the curb into turn 15 and spun in the run-off area. He ended up joining the track in P12 and stayed there for the remainder of the 18 lap race.
The race week at Sochi is not over yet. Jehan will start the Feature Race from P2 on the grid and it is clear from today’s race that the team is on top of their setups and can replicate the pace tomorrow. But the rain will predict what circumstances will prevail over the Feature Race. The Feature Race of Sochi will start at 2pm IST. Stay tuned to evo India for updates on Formula 2 Sochi!