In a dramatic turn of events, Juan Manuel Correa went from the back of the pack to the points-paying positions during the Melbourne Feature Race. The Van Amersfoort Racing driver’s fortunes changed throughout the 33-lap race, showcasing his adaptability and the strength of his team’s competitive pace.
Early contact with Trident’s Clément Novalak forced Correa to pit for repairs, leaving him far behind the other drivers. However, the Ecuadorian took advantage of the first Safety Car to complete his mandatory stop early. As other drivers made costly mistakes, Correa found himself promoted to the final points-paying position.
Looking back on the rollercoaster race, Correa expressed his satisfaction with the unpredictable events playing in his favor. He acknowledged that the team’s pace was strong throughout the weekend, despite challenges during qualifying.
Correa emphasized the importance of learning from the Melbourne experience, stating, “I think we’ll take the positives. We did a step forward from Jeddah, we need to do another step forward and just really focus now on starting more at the front because I think we have the pace to be there and fight for podiums. It’s about putting a whole weekend together.”
Both Correa and teammate Richard Verschoor displayed incredible fightbacks during the race. Verschoor secured a double points finish for the Dutch squad, moving up from P18 to P7.
The 23-year-old Correa credited his improved performance to a mix of self-improvement and the car’s overall package. He noted that his confidence behind the wheel continues to grow and that having an experienced teammate like Verschoor has been beneficial in understanding the car during the early stages of the season. However, Correa is also focused on finding his own path to unlock the car’s potential.
As Correa looks ahead to Round 4 at the Baku City Circuit, he aims to improve his one-lap pace during qualifying. The Azerbaijani track has been favorable to him in the past, with Correa scoring his maiden podium there in 2019. Now, the VAR racer is targeting a top 10 time in qualifying to increase his chances of consistently scoring points.
“We have been trending upwards, and I hope to do another step, and I think that step will put us consistently in the points because right now we’re bordering that area. I think as soon as we do a step up in Free Practice and Quali, we’ll be in a much better position in the races,” said Correa.
In summary, Juan Manuel Correa’s astonishing comeback during the Melbourne Feature Race highlights the importance of adaptability, teamwork, and perseverance. As the season continues, Correa’s focus on personal growth and car improvements will be key factors in his quest for consistent points finishes and podium positions.