My mid-season report card: Guanyu Zhou

Guanyu Zhou led the opening three rounds of the season before a run of four pointless races saw him drop below Oscar Piastri. The UNI-Virtuosi driver bounced back emphatically with a Feature Race win over his fellow Alpine Academy driver in the final action of Round 4. Sitting just five points off first place at the halfway point, how would he grade his performances?

The 22-year-old fills out his mid-season report card…

NAME: Guanyu Zhou TEAM: UNI-Virtuosi AGE: 22 PODIUMS: 5 WINS: 3

RATING OUT OF 10: 7

“We didn't have the performance in Baku because of a few reasons, like the car balance setup and myself. There was also my mistake in Silverstone and that takes the mark down a bit, but in general, I am quite happy with the season so far. There is definitely more to come.”

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE SEASON SO FAR?

“So far, it has been quite alright. There are a few parts that could be better, like the mistake that I made myself, but to be honest, I think I have been quite consistent and performed as I expected to.

“I didn’t expect to be leading the championship for three rounds in a row because the new format makes everything a lot tighter in the championship order and it is harder to pull away. To be honest, I am super proud of the job that we have done. I am still up there at the halfway point and in a good spot to fight for the championship.”

WHAT HAS BEEN THE STRONGEST ASPECT OF YOUR SEASON SO FAR?

“To be up there in every round. We have struggled in Free Practice, but when it comes to what matters, Qualifying and the races, we have always delivered. Especially in the Feature Races, which is the most important. We managed to score good points and we have two victories from four races. I couldn’t ask for more than that.”

WHAT HAS BEEN THE WEAKEST ASPECT OF THE SEASON SO FAR?

“The starts were a little bit up and down in the first round, and then I made a mistake in Silverstone. I have to make sure I am not making mistakes in the second half of the season.”

WHY ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SEASON?

“I am really looking forward to the second half of the season because I want to show my full potential and deliver at the end of the year. That is really important for my future.

“As I have already said, this will be the most important year of my racing career if I am going to make the final jump to the next step."