Formula Renault 2.0 NEC: Jehan Daruvala takes maiden win at Hungaroring

The third round of the Formula Renault 2.0 NEC Series went particularly well for Jehan Daruvala. The Indian driver took his first win in the series at the second race of the weekend at Hungaroring, propelling him to the head of the championship standings. Jehan Daruvala became the first Indian to win a race at the Hungaroring F1 circuit.

Jehan didn't have a great start to the weekend at the Hungaroring. He finished third and sixth in his practice sessions. Given that he exceeded track limits, his fastest laps during qualifying were not considered and therefore managed to procure the eighth position on the starting grid of Race 1. Further on, he lost crucial seconds at the start of the first race as the car in front of him had stalled. Troubles for the Indian driver didn't end there. While fighting with a fellow driver towards the end of the race, the other car's front wing clipped Jehan's rear wheel and he spun around. With no time to close the gap, Jehan had to settle for 13th place, while Lando Norris of Great Britain won the race ahead of Russian driver Vasily Romanov and Ferdinand Habsburg of Austria.

Even before the second race at Hungaroring circuit commenced, Jehan was in a much better position. Starting from second on the grid, Jehan managed to stay on the tail of Lando Norris, who started from pole. The duo managed to get away from the pack until lap four, when Lando crashed into the barriers, opening up the track for Jehan. There was a brief period where the safety car had to intervene in the race but once he pulled in, the Force India Academy driver built up a considerable lead over the second place racer and the rest of the pack.

Ensuring that no mistakes were committed for the remainder of the race, Jehan comfortably earned his maiden victory in the series with a lead of 1.4s, ahead of Russian racer Robert Schwartzman. Jehan even managed the fastest lap of the race.

"After having everything seem to go against me in Race 1, I am really happy with the way Race 2 turned out. It was crucial for me to protect the lead at the restart and after that I was able to consistently lap quicker than everyone behind me. It was a special moment to hear our National Anthem being played across the circuit and I would like to thank the entire team at Josef Kaufmann Racing, Pieter my coach, Jon and Craig of PAP, and Don my mind coach. Thank you also to Sahara Force India for all their support." said an elated Jehan.

Jehan Daruvala has his next race in Monza on 2nd and 3rd July as part of the Formula Renault EuroCup Series.

Photo Credits : Dutch Photo Agency