Yas Marina – After two very intense months, testing a Prema LM3 prototype at Paul Ricard, a Sean Creech LMP2 at Daytona, and finally three days at the wheel of the Charouz Racing System F2 at Yas Marina (Abu Dhabi), Juan Manuel Correa is ready for the big 2022 challenge, where he has been offered a number of racing opportunities in various specialities, some of which are perfectly compatible in terms of the calendar.
These three days at Yas Marina were the biggest challenge for the American driver, as he was back to the feelings of an F2 car, which he had not driven since August 2019. And they are now using 18” wheels, that Juan Manuel had never used.
The American driver felt very comfortable from the first day, recovering the same feelings from little more than two years ago. He did find some difficulties in managing these new Pirelli tyres, as it happened for example on Friday morning. A meticulous work with the team led him to manage much better the best moments of the new tyres that he had never used before and on Friday afternoon he took the seventh place in the final standings, leaving the long race runs for the last day.
Today, Saturday, Juan Manuel completed 105 laps at the Yas Marina circuit, much more physically demanding in this new version than in the previous one. The American driver did an excellent job with the team that allowed him to be back in the top ten.
Throughout the three days of testing, the American driver always finished the day in the top ten, which is a sign that allows for great optimism for what is to come in 2022.
The reunion with the F2 could not have been more successful at all levels, physical, mental and sportive.
“It’s been three days of hard work and emotions at the wheel of a faster car than the one I left in 2019. I immediately felt very good at the wheel of the car with these new tyres, which have been the big change for me. In the mornings I worked on improving a lot of things, and in the afternoons I did very good lap times and was able to be always in the top ten. Despite not having been in an F2 car for two years, I felt so good behind the wheel at all levels that these days of testing were like a continuation of the 2019 season. I am happy for all the work done with the Charouz team, as they have helped me get the best out of the car and I think I am ready for everything that lies ahead in 2022”
Now Juan Manuel will spend these Christmas holidays with his family before closing his schedule for 2022.
