Richard Verschoor started his second season of Formula 2 in fine form at Sakhir, with the Trident debutant clinching his second F2 victory, and his team’s first, in the opening race of the season.

The Dutchman – who also notched the team’s best Qualifying result in more than a year – has been handed the reigns for the first Guest Column of the season. He pens his thoughts on a positive opening round and looks ahead to the upcoming race weekend in Jeddah.

ONE GOOD POINT – MY SPRINT RACE GETAWAY

The best part of the weekend was probably the start of the Sprint Race because I think that defined how well we did.

I still believe that it would have been possible to win the race even if we had not taken the lead at the start, but of course, it made it a lot easier and meant that I could then control the pace after taking the lead of the race at the start. That was a very good point.

READ MORE: Armstrong pleased to put ‘points on the board’ at his ‘most difficult track’

Verschoor won the Sprint Race in Sakhir
Verschoor won the Sprint Race in Sakhir

ONE BAD POINT – RETIRING IN THE FEATURE RACE

In the Feature Race, we had a problem with the car, so we weren't really quick. that meant that I lost out to the guys in front of me and that our tyres degraded a lot. In the end, there was some quite big drama, and I had a DNF, so that was a real shame, especially given how positive Saturday was.

WHAT I LEARNED – HARD WORK PAYS OFF

I learned that hard work pays off, once again. The team and I worked well together, and I think that is key to doing well. Of course, it was really important to qualify inside of the top 10. Not necessarily because I won the race, but because it becomes a lot easier to be able to score points in both races.

READ MORE: ‘Natural talent’ Verschoor’s victory has given Trident ‘extra motivation’ says Team Manager Ricci

Verschoor was forced to retire from the Feature Race
Verschoor was forced to retire from the Feature Race

FANS MAY HAVE MISSED – TROUBLE IN THE SPRINT RACE

Before Sprint Race, I forgot to set the right clutch position and I didn't get off the line. The team thought that I had stalled, and I didn't know what was happening. Thankfully, it didn’t end up being a problem, so it was a funny point.

If it had been a problem, then it would not have been funny, but my technical engineer told me after the race that he was really scared in a funny Italian way, so it was something that we were able to laugh about together.

READ MORE: Iwasa reveals the conversation with DAMS that inspired overtake-laden Sprint Race drive

Verschoor will race at Jeddah for the first time in Round 2
Verschoor will race at Jeddah for the first time in Round 2

NEXT UP – JEDDAH

I am really, really looking forward to driving on the track at Jeddah. Of course, it is going to be difficult, and I am a bit on the backfoot like the rookies will be because I haven’t been there yet.

The one round that I missed last season was the one at Jeddah, so we will be learning this weekend. Hopefully, we can have a good Free Practice, not necessarily laptimes, but learning wise. From there, we will see what happens.