China's Zhou Guanyu made history with maiden F2 win
CGTN
Zhou Guanyu of China and UNI-Virtuosi Racing wins the Formula 2 Championship Sprint Race in Sochi, Russia, September 27, 2020. /VCG

Zhou Guanyu of China and UNI-Virtuosi Racing wins the Formula 2 Championship Sprint Race in Sochi, Russia, September 27, 2020. /VCG

Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu took his first Formula 2 victory on Sunday, winning the sprint race in Sochi, Russia, which was cut short following a huge crash. 

Starting from pole position, Zhou kept his lead in the opening stages of the race while others jockeyed for position behind him. 

Zhou Guanyu of China drives on track during the Formula 2 Championship Sprint Race in Sochi, Russia, September 27, 2020. /VCG

Zhou Guanyu of China drives on track during the Formula 2 Championship Sprint Race in Sochi, Russia, September 27, 2020. /VCG

The race was suspended on lap 8 of 30 following a crash involving Luca Ghiotto and Jack Aitken, who tangled and span into the barriers at high speed. Both drivers were unhurt. 

It was not restarted as time was needed to repair the extensive damage to the barriers. The results were counted from the end of lap 5 and only half championship points were awarded. 

"I feel great", said the Chinese champion, "I promised to my fans before that they will hear the Chinese national anthem on the podium. I am really happy to win this race."

"I hope I can make better achievements in the next races," the racer added. 

Zhou Guanyu of China and UNI-Virtuosi Racing celebrates on the podium during the Formula 2 Championship Sprint Race in Sochi, Russia, September 27, 2020. /VCG

Zhou Guanyu of China and UNI-Virtuosi Racing celebrates on the podium during the Formula 2 Championship Sprint Race in Sochi, Russia, September 27, 2020. /VCG

This is Zhou's second season in Formula 2, with the 21-year-old having finished the 2019 season in seventh place as the series' top rookie.  

The Shanghai-born driver is currently eighth in the 2020 standings with four races still to run.  

(With input from Xinhua)