Jehan Daruvala was the first driver to change to slick tyres in today’s Sprint Race in Barcelona which had mixed conditions. 

He started P15 on the grid after a disappointing Qualifying session but was looking to make places up by gambling with strategy. 

He stated to InsideF2’s Jim Kimberley that changing onto the slicks when he did was “a good call”. 

Most drivers pitted during the Safety Car period on Lap 20 which gained Daruvala a few places up the grid. He continued:

“Me and the team decided on the radio that it was worth a call. In the end, I was on track so I felt it could’ve been slicks and we went for it. I think in the end, obviously, I don’t know how it worked out but I think we could’ve been quite high up there if not for the Safety Car.”

“My first laps were quicker than the leaders so I think it was the right call.”

His team mate, Dennis Hauger, reported to InsideF2 that he struggled with tyre warm up on the Safety Car restart. Daruvala also confirmed that it was “tricky” but that he had “enough experience” in his fourth season in FIA Formula 2. 

His race ended earlier than he would’ve liked after contact with Roy Nissany on the final lap.

Image: Formula Motorsport Limited