Formula 2: Jehan Daruvala looking to open season with fifth-consecutive Bahrain podium

Mumbai, March 3 : Indian racer Jehan Daruvala heads into this weekends Bahrain Formula 2 season-opener fired up to get his campaign off to a strong start as he looks to claim a fifth straight podium finish at the scene of his first-ever F2 win.The 24-year-old, who will drive for reigning champions MP Motorsport this season, raced to victory in 2020 around the venues outer loop layout having already taken a third-place finish around the more traditional 5.

4-km long configuration a week earlier.Daruvala followed that up with two-second places in 2021 and last year.

Heading into this weekend, he has his sights firmly set on extending that podium streak to kick off a campaign he hopes will see him become the first Indian to win the F2 title.Daruvala said, "I cant wait to go racing again.

I enjoyed the break but now, batteries recharged, I am really excited about starting this new journey with MP Motorsport.We go into the weekend on the back of a strong, productive three days of testing.

"Im feeling comfortable in the car, our long-run pace looks good, which is always crucial around a track like Bahrain and I love racing around here.Its a layout that suits my driving style and Im optimistic we can come away with another strong result this weekend," he added.

Daruvala has established himself as a front-runner in Formula 2 with four wins and 15 podium finishes over three seasons in the series.He is also eligible for a Formula One Super Licence having successfully completed three F1 test sessions with former champions McLaren.

The 24-year-old is also a Formula E reserve for Indian manufacturer Mahindra Racing, a role he will combine with his F2 campaign.Headquartered in the Netherlands, MP Motorsport last year became only the second team in Formula 2 history to achieve the title double.

The outfit chalked up five race wins with championship winner Felipe Drugovich and also scored seven further podiums.bsk #Formula #Jehan #Daruvala #season #consecutive #Bahrain #Mumbai #Mumbai #Acer #Mahindra.