My mid-season report card: Richard Verschoor

Already a Formula 2 race winner, Richard Verschoor has enjoyed a solid introduction to life in the second tier. Impressing as early as the first round of the season with two top-five finishes, the Dutchman has settled in nicely. But how would he grade his own performances?

The MP Motorsport driver fills out his mid-season report card…

NAME: Richard Verschoor TEAM: MP Motorsport AGE: 20 PODIUMS: 1 WINS: 1

RATING OUT OF 10: 7

“It could be a lot better but for a first season in Formula 2, and with the amount that we actually get to drive and learn the car, I don’t think I have done too badly. It could be better, but it could be worse.”

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE SEASON SO FAR?

“I am pretty happy to be honest. Monaco and Baku could have been a lot better, but we have had our ups and downs and I cannot complain too much, especially as I got my first win in Formula 2.

“I am still really excited about that. There is a long way to go, so I hope that we can continue the season in the way we ended Silverstone.”

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

“The strongest point has been the improvements that we have made. We still have a lot to learn, though, it is not easy being a rookie in Formula 2.

“If I had the experience that I do then, then in the first race, when I was leading, I think that I could have won. More than anything, I just needed to know the tyres a bit better. We have to keep improving and do our best to get some more good results.”

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

“That depends entirely on the weekend. Qualifying was really bad in Monaco and Baku, but in Silverstone and Bahrain, it was quite good.

“The season has been up and down and there hasn’t been one real weak point, it is more that I need to become more consistent.”

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNT THIS SEASON?

“What haven’t I learned? I have learned how to become a more complete driver. There is a lot more media and a lot more pressure at this level.

“In terms of the actual driving, you learn to work with a team at a higher level, you learn how to attack races and you learn how to save the tyres.”

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

“There are some nice tracks coming up. I really like Sochi and Monza and I have not been to Saudi Arabia before.

“Then, of course, more on-track action - who isn't looking forward to that?”