Ticktum will “see where we are,” in Free Practice before setting expectations for Round 11

DAMS’ Dan Ticktum says it’s difficult to know what to expect heading into the penultimate round of the season, given the unique nature of Formula 2 in 2020. The current campaign has been one of the most remarkable seasons in the modern era of the Championship, with 15 different podium sitters and 11 different winners – including Ticktum.

A combination of various factors are responsible, which includes the competitiveness of the 2020 grid, the switch to 18-inch tyres and the differing track conditions.

This is the first year in the history of F2 that the race at Sakhir has taken place at the end of the season, with Bahrain used to hosting the opening event, and Ticktum says he expects it to throw up the unexpected.

“The macro and the surface do seem a little worse than when we were here in March, so I think that it will be hard on the tyres this weekend,” explained Ticktum. “But then, in some races we have seen more deg than we expected, and in others we have seen no deg at all.

“Temperature-wise, I don't think it’s hugely different from when we would normally race here. Everything has been largely up in the air this year I have to say.

“I honestly don't know which way it is going to go to be honest. I don't think anyone really does - which is why we have had 11 different winners this year. It’s been one of those seasons.”

Ticktum has three podiums this season, which includes a historic home victory at Silverstone back in Round 4. The British driver hasn’t had things all his own way though, enduring seven pointless races, and admitted that it’s been “a bit of a struggle,” at times in 2020.

However, he returns refreshed and rejuvenated following the break between Round 10 in Sochi and Round 11 this weekend.

“It was nice to relax a little bit because we had a few months where we were absolutely flat out,” he explained. “I’ve spent some time at DAMS to prepare for these last few races and they have been good here in the past, but yeah, this year has been a bit of a struggle.

“The goal is obviously to win, as it always is, but I am not going to really set expectations in stone. I will go out and see where we are and make the best of the next two races."