Daruvala: Uncomplicated Sprint Race an ideal path to secure first 2023 victory

29 July 2023

Qualifying around Spa-Francorchamps was a race against time for the whole field, as they aimed to get their fastest attempt on the board before the rain made it’s inevitable appearance. For Jehan Daruvala, his lap came a few moments too late as the session-ending downpour began whilst his one and only attempt was ongoing.

Despite the challenges the session threw their way, the MP Motorsport driver managed to secure P10 and the highly coveted spot on reverse grid pole for Saturday’s Sprint Race. However, his day might have told a different story without the Red Flag appearance delaying their runs, causing them to lose out on several vital minutes as they tried to beat the rain.

Having dried off and had the chance to reflect on a session that was all decided inside the space of five minutes, Daruvala says that it was those who were further along in the pit lane that were able to capitalise on the more advantageous conditions first.

“It was a difficult session to be honest, a lot of changing weather. Unfortunately, the rain hit in Sector 3 and everyone finished in the order they left the pit lane in pretty much. P10 is what it is, at least I have the front row for the Sprint and hopefully some clean air if it’s raining. Hopefully, I can get my first win of the season.

He added: “To be honest, when you have 650 horsepower with cold tyres, on slicks, on a damp track it’s never easy to put a lap together. All of us did pretty well just to get around and it was not easy.”

Scoring victory in each of his three previous campaigns, Daruvala has proven what it takes to take win, but in order to return to the top step of the podium this time around, he’ll have to put all his experience and knowledge into Practice.

However, the unpredictability of the weather is throwing another curveball the field’s way. Lining up on reverse grid pole for the Sprint Race, the Indian driver is hoping the conditions go all in either one way or another for an straightforward 18 laps of action to the chequered flag.

“I think our pace is good in the wet, so that’s important. I’m leading, so hopefully I have a good start and can control the race from there. I just hope it’s either wet or dry and not a lot of pit stops in the middle because that’s not where you want to be when you’re leading. I have clean air so I should be able to pick my line and go for it from the beginning, so that’s going to be the goal.”