Doohan ready to return to winning ways around happy hunting ground in Budapest

20 July 2023

A winner around the Hungaroring 12 months ago, Jack Doohan is eager to return to winning ways after promising form in recent Rounds. The Invicta Virtuosi Racing driver arrives in Budapest in the middle of his best patch in form since a Feature Race podium in Jeddah. The Australian has scored points in seven of the last eight races, something he believes will continue in Hungary.

After a Sprint Race podium last time out at Silverstone, Doohan says that he is optimistic of his chances around the old-school circuit, no matter what the weather might bring. It comes after improved performances from him and the team, and a race weekend in which he felt like victory was there for the taking.

“I feel quite good, it’s nice and warm, I like driving in hot conditions,” Doohan said. “I think the car works well in these conditions as well. It also means that the weather can be a bit more unpredictable, storms and rain can come in quicker, and also the degradation can be a little bit higher. All in all, I like when it’s like this, I feel more at home.

“Silverstone was alright, a solid weekend. I can say we had the pace for the win on Sunday, but I’m sure five people at least would say that, but realistically we did. We got shuffled out in the middle of the race and I think, if not for that, I think we would’ve been in P2 and quite easily within the five seconds of Victor (Martins) in the last remaining eight laps after the laps under the Safety Car. Even with the overtakes, we were the quickest car on track. To get fourth, I wasn’t happy. But to leave with 20 points, that wasn’t too bad.”

While Doohan says he feels at home with the tricky and flowing layout of the Hungaroring, potential rain on Friday could create a few dramatic moments. Come rain or shine, the Invicta Virtuosi driver believes that the team is more than capable of showing its full potential when others could struggle a little bit more.

A lack of overtaking opportunities places extra emphasis on Qualifying, but the Australian says that tyre degradation levels could open up more chances in terms of strategy come Sunday.

“We need to think outside the box here. It’s quite high in degradation here, especially when conditions are like this. Potentially, if there’s some rain as well, that can definitely spice things up. I think it’s going to be a case of playing the long game. I think there’s going to be a lot more to it than just a straightforward race. So I’m hoping we can keep things interesting in both circumstances.

“To be honest, rain would be cool. I’m very fond of the rain you could say, I enjoy it very much. But I enjoy a straightforward session, our pace is getting better and better each weekend, especially the last two weekends. Friday’s going to be important if it’s not dry in both sessions and that’ll make it more difficult for the teams for Saturday and Sunday’s races. Really, it’s the same for everyone, so I’m looking forward to attacking the challenge.

While Doohan currently remains winless so far this season, he and his team believe that a return to the top step is a matter of when, not if in 2023. Following his Silverstone showing, he says that a victory is overdue and very attainable this weekend, as he expects to add to his recent run of solid points finishes.

“I think a lot is possible. Like I said, I think we have a really strong package at the moment and I’m looking forward to turning that pace and potential into not just solid results, but getting the wins we deserve now. If that’s possible, I’d like to execute that, if not, I just want to go forward and have a solid weekend.”