Jehan Challenges for podium in Silverstone
Silverstone (UK), 18 May 2016: Sahara Force India Academy Racer – Jehan Daruvala, completed Round 2 of the Formula Renault 2.0 NEC at the famed Silverstone F1 Circuit in the UK, with 2 strong finishes just outside the podium. He managed a 5th & 4th place at the same circuit, where he came out unscathed after a horrific crash last year.
Jehan managed to qualify 6th out of the 24 racers in Qualifying session 1, He was immediately behind Championship leader – Dorian Boccolacci of France. Belgian, Max Defourny bagged pole position ahead of Britain’s Lando Norris.
In Qualifying session 2, Jehan went one higher to qualify 5th on the grid, while Lando Norris bagged pole ahead of fellow Brit – Will Palmer.
“After analysing all the data with the team, I know that I am right up there through the entire lap, I need to work on my speed through the last two corners, because I am losing most of my time just there.” reflected Jehan after Qualifying.
Race 1 saw Jehan get a decent start but he soon lost two positions. In two laps he made up one position by overtaking Alex Gill on the inside.
A few laps later Jehan made a fantastic and aggressive move down the inside of Keeffe. Keeffe slammed the door shut & the two made contact. Keeffe had to retire while Jehan suffered front wing damage & managed to eventually finish the race in fifth place. Max Defourny won the race ahead of Boccolacci, while Will Palmer finished 3rd.
Jehan made a good start in Race 2 & held his fifth place. Lando Norris ran away at the front & built up a lead of 3 car lengths. On lap three Jehan was all over the rear of Race 1 winner – Max Defourny. Jehan then made the most unbelievable move on the outside of Defourny into a sharp, downhill left hander. In what was certainly the overtaking move of the race, Jehan moved into fourth.
Jehan soon chased down Boccolacci & tried his best, but could not make a move. As his tyres started to go off, he decided to back off & protect his 4th position. Norris continued his lead extension at the front to win ahead of Palmer, Boccolacci & Jehan.
“I need to find more time on brand new tyres in qualifying. My race pace has been decent but I have been losing out in qualifying this weekend. It’s something I will definitely be working on. I enjoyed the battle with Defourny, but then I pushed too hard, too soon, which meant that my tyres lost grip a little sooner than I would have liked. I had no choice but to give up on fighting for third & instead had to protect my fourth place” said Jehan after Race 2.
Jehan’s next race will be at the world famous Monaco Street Circuit as part of the support Race to Formula 1 on 28th & 29th May as part of the Formula Renault Eurocup.
eom/Rayo Racing press release
