Second Grand Prix, but only first full weekend in Formula 1 for Oliver Bearman. This weekend in Baku, the Briton will replace Kevin Magnussen, suspended after yet another violation at the Italian Grand Prix. The future holder of the stable Haas will be competing in his first race with the American team but will also be competing in all the sessions of the weekend in Azerbaijan… which was not the case during his first Grand Prix, in Saudi Arabia last March.
In Jeddah, Ollie Bearman had made his Formula 1 debut in a rush: he had only learned of his participation in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Friday morning, at the dawn of Free Practice 3 (the race had taken place on Saturday) to replace a Carlos Sainz victim of appendicitis. Despite the lack of preparation, the young Englishman then impressed at the wheel of the Classic Ferrari for sale, finishing 7th in his first race on the Corniche circuit.
Bearman better prepared in Baku
Six months later, the 19-year-old driver will have the opportunity to better prepare for his weekend with his future team, in the streets of the Azeri capital. “I’ve done FP1 with the team, but to be able to build on that and do a full weekend is a really exciting prospect., rejoices Oliver Bearman. Last year I had a lot of success in Baku. (dubbed in Formula 2, Ed.) and it's definitely one of my favorite circuits, so I'm really looking forward to going there."
Obviously, the task does not look any easier than in Saudi Arabia: Oliver Bearman will take the wheel of a car with more modest performances, and on a difficult track to understand with winding sectors and long straight lines. “I’ve spent some time in the simulator, it’s a really tough circuit, but because it’s not a permanent circuit, the walls are very close and it’s tight in some places, especially in the famous castle section. That’s another thing to focus on, making sure you build up speed, in the most measured way possible., recognizes the young rookie. I'm happy to have a lot of laps in the car because it will be my first full weekend, which I haven't had the pleasure of doing before."
ALSO READ > Bearman an 'obvious choice' to replace Magnussen in Baku
Comment on this article! 0