Indian Jehan Daruvala doubles the podium in Saudi Arabia
He followed that up with another run to the bottom of the podium after a perfectly executed and measured display in Sunday’s long run, making him the only driver to finish in the top three of both races this weekend.
Jehan said: “It was a very solid weekend for us and much needed results after the disappointment in Bahrain. We were quick and consistent throughout and executed everything perfectly which allowed us to capitalize on our potential. We can take a lot of confidence from the Saudi round and I’m really looking forward to the races ahead.
This is the second consecutive year that Jehan has finished in the top three in Jeddah, after falling from 14th to 3rd place in the Feature Race on the circuit last year. Jehan got off to a flying start in Saturday’s Sprint race but was blocked by the Campos cars of Ralph Boschung and fellow countryman Kush Maini.
A second-lap safety car that regrouped the field gave him a chance to pass Maini and Jehan duly took the opportunity to force his way past his fellow Indian and set off in pursuit of the Red-backed rider Bull Jak Crawford.
Jehan sent Crawford on lap 7 seconds before a collision between Theo Pourchaire and Oliver Bearman triggered a second safety car period. Jehan was on the heels of Boschung, second, at the start of the race. The Swiss rider was powerless to resist the charge from the MP Motorsport rider as he swept around the outside of Turn 1 to take second place.
He then battled Iwasa, while keeping the fast Martins behind him at bay, before eventually having to concede after his Round 1 gamble for a fifth F2 victory failed to pay off. On Sunday, starting fourth after moving up one place thanks to a penalty from Théo Pourchaire, he was among the drivers to stop early before then managing his pace and tire wear to perfection.
He crossed the winner behind Frederik Vesti and second-placed Jack Doohan. The Formula 2 Championship now heads to Australia for its March 31-April 2 match where the series will race around Melbourne’s Albert Park for the first time.
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