Interview
‘A street circuit puts the ball more in the driver’s court’ – Ticktum eager to try out F2’s newest track
With just two rounds of his Formula 2 career to go, Dan Ticktum is targeting a maiden Feature Race win and second place in the standings, but he conceded that the title race is “pretty much done” for him.
Averaging more than a podium every round, Ticktum has been one of the most consistent drivers on the grid this season, taking seven rostrums in total, including two victories, but a Feature Race trophy still alludes him and he’s hoping to change that before his F2 exit at the end of the season.
“I would like to get a Feature Race win before the end of the year,” said Ticktum. “That largely depends on the car and whether you get taken out, but I would like a Feature Race win. I am not going to be able to (catch Oscar Piastri), unfortunately. He’s got such a big lead, so I think it’s pretty much done unless something goes wrong for him.
“I’ve said to everyone, he’s done such a good job, as have PREMA. They are normally the team to beat and that’s been the case again this season. I will do my best to close up the gap and we will see. (vice-champion) is what I am going for.”
For all of his podiums and wins, Ticktum has struggled in Qualifying this season. He’s yet to start a Feature Race on the front row in 2021 and has been outside of the top five on a Friday in the last two rounds, which has left him playing catch-up.
“Qualifying has been our weak point this year, compared to last year for Carlin,” he continued. “The compounds have changed slightly, and I don't think we've quite been as good in Qualifying as we expected, but we have been very good in the races.
“I have normally overtaken well, and everything has been strong. I have been consistent but also not: I have had a lot of podiums and always been up there, but a couple of incidents earlier in the season didn't help my Championship.”
Often hailed as a street race expert, the two-time Macau Grand Prix winner is excited by the prospect of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, believing that the 6.2km high-speed street track, a brand-new addition to the calendar, will suit his strongest attributes.
“I like it when everyone comes to a new circuit, it levels the playing field a bit,” explained Ticktum. “It is going to be a lot about the car, as this sport always is. I'm looking forward to it. It’s very fast and dangerous and those two things normally bode quite well for me, if you look at Macau, for example.
“You have got to be accurate. You’ll need good minimum speeds to get good exits into the straights – it looks good. Street circuits are just difficult, and they increase the amount of difference a driver can make. Sometimes it can be too much about the car, but a street circuit puts the ball more in the driver’s court.”