Louis is aiming for an F2 repeat in Abu Dhabi
Louis Delétraz will be hoping history repeats itself when he takes to the track for the final round of the FIA Formula 2 Championship in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
The 22-year-old proved to be the quickest driver in the field when the F2 category last visited the spectacular Yas Marina circuit for three days of post-season testing.
ADSS-supported Louis is hoping he can emulate that blistering form when the 12th round of the current campaign gets underway on Friday.
“It’s a track that I love and one that I definitely enjoy driving,” the Swiss driver said. “I topped the times after three days of testing there last time so I’m looking forward to going back. It would be nice to find the same speed in these races!”
With a two-month gap between the penultimate round in Russia and the season finale on the man-made Yas Island complex, Louis is eager to return to competitive action with his Carlin team.
“I’m very happy to be back racing after being away from the F2 track since the end of September. That’s a really, really long time and you definitely find yourself looking at the calendar and counting down the days until you’re back out there doing what you love the most,” he explained.
“I’ve been very active with my training since Sochi and I’ve also been kept busy with my role as a simulator driver at the Haas F1 Team. That’s meant I’ve been in the cockpit away from my F2 races and that certainly helps to keep you in the competitive zone.”
Louis registered two point-scoring finishes when he raced at Yas Marina during last season’s corresponding F2 fixture. And with a P3 finish during the Sochi Feature Race last time out – secured thanks to a spectacular last lap overtake of rival Luca Ghiotto – Louis heads into this weekend’s races in a positive frame of mind.
However, he knows that tyre degradation is likely to have a significant effect on the outcome of the Feature and Sprint races in Abu Dhabi.
He said: “The target is to carry the momentum that I enjoyed in Russia. If I can repeat a podium or go even better, that would be pretty satisfying and a good way to end my season.
“But the expected deg will be a big part of the weekend with the super soft rubber we have to use. It won’t last long – especially in the heat. Management and race strategy will be hugely important.”
