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Alex Dunne Makes History as First Irish Formula 2 Race Winner
Teenager Alex Dunne has etched his name in the annals of motorsport by becoming the inaugural Irish driver to secure a victory in the highly competitive Formula 2 racing series.
The 19-year-old showcased his talent during the landmark 200th race at the Bahrain Grand Prix, delivering a captivating performance. Starting from fourth position on the grid, Dunne seized the lead on the seventh lap and maintained a commanding presence on the track, ultimately crossing the finish line 8.2 seconds ahead of British racer Luke Browning.
Following the triumph, Dunne celebrated his victory alongside his Rodin Motorsport team. The achievement drew praise from McLaren CEO Zak Brown, and the moment was highlighted by an emotional embrace with his father, Noel Dunne.
“I have no words, to be honest,” Dunne expressed after claiming his maiden win in this prestigious Formula 1 support series. “All the race runs in testing were quite positive; I knew the pace was there to do something good, but I didn’t expect this.”
This win comes after a challenging sprint race prior, where Dunne faced multiple on-track confrontations, finishing outside the points. His stellar performance in the feature race serves as a testament to his potential, which has been recognized since he clinched the British Formula 4 championship in 2022.
Dunne executed a flawless start, quickly maneuvering from fourth to second place behind reigning Formula 3 champion Leonardo Fornaroli. His decisive move for the lead on lap seven, characterized by a bold lunge into the first corner, marked a pivotal moment in the race.
From that point forward, the driver from Offaly dominated the proceedings, temporarily relinquishing the lead only during pit stop cycles. He comfortably maintained his advantage, ultimately cruising to victory ahead of Browning and Fornaroli.
Reflecting on his performance after the previous day’s disappointment, Dunne stated, “I wasn’t happy with the job I did, so I think I’ve redeemed myself and bounced back really well.”
When asked about his aspirations for the championship as a rookie, Dunne remained measured, saying, “It’s too early to say. I think I’m driving at a good level at the minute, so if I can continue this form, I don’t see why we wouldn’t be contenders.”
Source
www.bbc.com