2021 F2 Round 3 Baku Qualifying: Jehan Daruvala Qualifies 9th For Feature Race

Carlin’s Jehan Daruvala has kicked off the third round of the 2021 FIA Formula 2 Championship with a low-key qualifying in ninth place for the feature race at the Baku street circuit in Azerbaijan. His teammate, Dan Ticktum on the other hand lines up fifth on the grid. 

With the long straights in Baku, the battle for a good slipstream dominated the 30 minute session. The first runs saw Daruvala go 13th fastest, with teammate Ticktum in sixth. Both drivers improved in their final runs, with the Indian driver jumping to ninth, and Ticktum posting the fourth quickest qualifying time for Sunday’s feature race.

While it's not the greatest start to the race weekend for Daruvala, there are some positives. He’ll be lining up second on the grid for the first of two sprint races slated for Saturday, as reverse grid rules apply here. The second sprint race’s grid order will be the top 10 finishers of Sprint Race 1 reversed. 

The first sprint race will take place on Saturday, 12:50pm (IST), with the second one commencing at 7:05pm (IST). All races will be broadcast on Eurosport. 

Image credits: James Gasperotti