Learning from his first career street circuit event yesterday in Azerbaijan and the Baku City Circuit, Sauber Junior Team by Charouz Juan Manuel Correa translated his front row starting spot into an impressive podium position.
Along with the second place finish, Correa was once again the highest placing Rookie driver for the second day in a row as he led the Sauber Junior Team by Charouz team results over the weekend.
Taking the green and maintaining his position, Correa lost touch with the leader, and eventual race winner due to an issue beyond his control.
“I had an issue with the brakes and did not feel very comfortable in the car at all,” explained Correa.
“I think that I overheated them early and could not push the car to its full potential. I was able to get into a rhythm, but I was relieved when the safety car came out so we could regroup and have a fresh start.”
The American battled hard with several fellow F2 competitors and held off their advances while attempting to take the lead after the safety car midway through the race.
“I had to send it down the inside as if I didn’t, I feared that I would be hit from behind,” explained Correa. “I was in the situation of pass or be passed so I just went for it. At the end of the day it was an unbelievable race. We did not have the outright pace to maybe win, and I had to overcome a problem with the brakes, but once I was able to get past that, it was just a matter of trying to close the gap to the leader and take advantage of situations that presented themselves.”
Correa continued, “It was a good race for the team as both cars were in the points and that is a true testament of how hard these guys have worked. This is great momentum towards our next event weekend in Spain in two weeks.”
The next event on the FIA Formula 2 calendar is May 10 – 12 at the Circuit de Barcelona in Catalunya, Spain.
Media Contact:
Raffaella Fant – Marketing Director – rfant@jmcorrea.com
Mike Maurini – Media Manager – info@RaceTechDevelopment.com
Juan Manuel Correa :
JM Correa (19) is an American-Ecuadorian F2 driver who grew up in Miami, FL and currently lives in Barcelona, Spain. Juan Manuel’s racing season will be completed with the Sauber Junior Team and he has been selected to participate in the Alfa Romeo Racing Formula 1 Team as Development Driver.
