AIX Racing’s Joshua Dürksen made history this weekend, becoming the first Paraguayan driver to stand on the podium in a Formula 2 race. Finishing in P3 today, he also holds the record for the first driver to respresent Paraguay in Formula 2. A feat, which the 20-year-old says is a great honour;
“Well, it’s just a really big honour because from the country I’m coming in, I mean, we have only one go kart track in the whole country. 600 metres long, quite short, bumpy as well. And then one autodrome, which we barely use. Yeah, the bumps and used tyres fits to me. I got used to it.
“In Paraguay, we didn’t have many new tyres. So I had to get used to it with tyres. No, but it’s just a privilege for me, you know. Of course, motorsport, like rally is really strong in Paraguay, but like asphalt and circuits is not as popular.
“And of course, for me, it’s a big honour to represent Paraguay, especially in F2, being the first Paraguayan to race in F2 and now getting the first podium. It’s just a huge honour for me and just also really, really happy with the help and support I’m getting from the country.”
The great result for Dürksen is even more remarkable given he did not compete in Formula 3 like most drivers on the gird, instead transferring from FRECA (Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine). Although FRECA is a lesser-used route into Formula 2, also notably used by Kimi Antonelli, it’s an FIA-certified regional European Formula 3 racing series. Dürksen says the transition was relatively smooth;
“It was a big jump, but of course the FRECA car is quite a tricky car to drive, so I think there was a good preparation for F2. Of course, the speeds are a lot more in the F2. I mean, we’re reaching over 300 km already. FRECA, we got maximum 260, I think, and of course the downforce is a lot more.
The post-season test, the pre-season testing helped a lot, because during the races, during the race weekends, we don’t have a lot of laps. So of course the jumps are quite big and therefore the preparation is quite important, but I felt comfortable. I think I adapted quite quickly. The team taught me all the procedures quite well, so yeah, just continue learning day by day.”
The win has given the Paraguayan confidence that will prove useful looking ahead to next weekend at the iconic street track of Monaco. Joshua Dürksen looks to keep improving, with all eyes on the podium once again.
“Monaco is always really special. I think we will just improve step by step, race after race. This was a really great weekend, promising weekend. Of course, we have to see in the other tracks because track by track, it can change a lot. I guess the team as well, because, yeah, last year they couldn’t score any points and now suddenly at the podium, I think, of course, they will be extremely happy as well. And just, yeah, we just keep working day by day. And that’s just a great result for the team. It’s just, this just shows all the hard work they’ve done in the winter. And I think we will keep improving like this.
“The more bad races you have, the more pressure you have on yourself because you want to deliver, you want to show what you can do. Of course, coming with a result like this, of course, gives you more confidence because you know you can do it and you’ve showed it.”
[adrotate banner=”10″]
Get 10% off all official F1 Merch at TheRaceWorks.com using code ‘EF1‘ at checkout.