Defending FIA Formula 2 Champions Invicta Racing kicked off their bid for an unprecedented third consecutive F2 Teams title with two strong results in Australia – and say they’re confident of finding more performance.
Joshua Dürksen and F3 Champion Rafael Câmara both stood on the podium across the weekend in Melbourne as they made impressive starts with their new team.
Paraguayan Dürksen won Saturday’s Sprint Race, becoming the first driver to win twice in F2 down under, while Câmara finished second in the Feature Race on Sunday.
It means the team led by James Robinson are second in the standings, four points behind early pace setters Campos, who won the Feature Race with Nikola Tsolov and were second in the Sprint Race with Noel León.
Starting as we mean to go on ?#F2 #Formula2 #InvincibleInSpirit #AusGP pic.twitter.com/bfmd4psrOq
— Invicta Racing (@InvictaRacing) March 9, 2026
“It’s been a positive weekend and a very solid start to the season with both drivers,” Team Principal Robinson said.
However, the Invicta boss felt Friday saw some opportunities left on the table.
“Qualifying was challenging, as it effectively became a one-lap shootout after the last Red Flag, and unfortunately neither driver got the most out of the car,” he said.
Robinson described Dürksen’s Sprint Race drive as “commanding”, saying it was pleasing to get the season off to the best possible start, as well as secure the teams’ first win at Albert Park.
He added that one error from Câmara at the Safety Car restart undid a strong drive and cost him a number of positions.
The fortunes of the drivers were reversed on Sunday and while Robinson was disappointed not to have seen the young Brazilian take victory, he said second place is “a very good start” to Câmara’s F2 career.
Preparation pays off for Câmara
The reigning Formula 3 Champion described his weekend as positive, having qualified sixth and scooped a podium on Sunday.
The 20-year-old said it showed how the work throughout the winter and at pre-season testing to get him ready for F2 has paid off.
Câmara bemoaned Qualifying, calling it “a bit of a mess” and said that he had podium finishing pace in the Sprint, which he was then able to show in the Feature Race, scoring what he called “good points” for the championship.
Câmara said: “I’m really happy with the work we’ve been doing and it’s been great working with the team. Now, we need to keep moving in the right direction and carry this momentum into the next race.”
The Brazilian is currently second in the Drivers standings, seven points behind Feature Race winner Tsolov.
Good job indeed, Rafa! ??
The Brazilian came home P2 in the Melbourne Feature ??
VAMOOOO! ??#F2 #AusGP pic.twitter.com/pmyNfn5QD8
— Formula 2 (@Formula2) March 8, 2026
More potential in the package, says Dürksen
After victory on Saturday, Dürksen’s hopes of another strong result were dented before the lights even went out on Sunday as he jumped the start, earning him a penalty.
Despite that setback, the 22-year-old was in cheerful mood after the weekend, suggesting there is room for improvement.
"Man this is amazing!" ??
The perfect start to 2026 for Joshua Durksen ??#F2 #AusGP pic.twitter.com/Mnyy5TJWXc
— Formula 2 (@Formula2) March 7, 2026
“We have shown we have very good pace getting the win in the Sprint Race, Rafael getting P2 in the Feature Race and the potential was there to be a bit better in Qualifying.
“It shows we’re strong in every scenario,” he said.
The Mercedes Development Driver said he is “happy” with how the weekend went, adding: “We got a lot of points for the team which is good, and I think we’re going to be quick in the rest of the races this season.”
Image – Formula Motorsport Limited via Getty Images
