FIA F2 – DURKSEN DOMINATES ACTION-PACKED SPRINT IN MELBOURNE
The first race of the 2026 Formula 2 season in Melbourne delivered action from start to finish! With intense battles, incidents and impressive comebacks, the drivers put on a great show in the opening race of the year. Joshua Durksen took the victory ahead of Noel León and Alex Dunne.
At the start, Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak gets off to a strong launch and keeps the lead of the race. Behind him, the pack is already very lively, with several fights for position through the opening corners.
The end of the first lap is marked by spins from Ollie Goethe and Nico Varrone. On lap two, Joshua Durksen goes on the attack and manages to overtake Inthraphuvasak to take the lead of the race.
Meanwhile, the battle for third place is intense. Kush Maini, Rafa Camara, the Rodin drivers and the two Campos drivers engage in a fierce fight. Battles are also taking place throughout the midfield during the opening laps.
The race becomes more complicated for Dino Beganovic, who breaks his front wing and is forced to pit.
On lap eight, Colton Herta makes contact with Nikola Tsolov, sending the Red Bull driver into a spin. A few laps later, Mari Boya goes off the track. After crashing in qualifying the day before, the Spaniard is experiencing a very difficult start to the season.
After the restart, the final part of the race becomes particularly intense, especially in the fight for the podium. Several drivers go wheel-to-wheel in the closing laps.
Joshua Durksen, never really under pressure, manages to keep the lead and wins the race. Behind him, Noel León and Alex Dunne complete the podium after a fierce battle all the way to the checkered flag.
The drive of the day goes to Gabriele Minì. Starting only 21st on the grid, the Italian produces an impressive comeback to finish in sixth place.
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