Chinese UNI-Virtuosi driver Zhou Guanyu started the 2021 season by winning his first-ever F2 Feature Race in Bahrain.
Zhou took the first pole of the year by just 0.003s, but he had dropped to as low as sixth before changing to soft tires and working his way back up the leaderboard. After overtaking Formula 3 champion Oscar Piastri for second place after 23 of the 32 laps, UNI-Virtuosi driver Zhou claimed the lead on lap 28 and held on to take the chequered flag.
''I am really satisfied with the weekend win, of course, we were lifting the championship. This year's Formula 2, we have a new format which means it's a lot of entertaining races. I was really happy that I got pole position, and the feature race was my first ever victory, and I feel really unbelievable."
Zhou Guanyu celebrates on the podium during the Feature Race of Round 1:Sakhir of the Formula 2 Championship at Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain, March 28, 2021. /CFP
Zhou became the first Chinese to win a Formula 2 race by dominating the F2 Russian Grand Prix last season, the curtain-raiser to the F1 race, from pole position.
"Last year I waited for my victory for a long period until the end of the year in Sochi, where I had my first Sprint Race victory. This year I have reset my mind and try to come back and be strong. Finally, I got the feature race, and that was a good feeling. It was quite nice to be starting strong this season and give me a little bit less pressure for the whole season, but I am feeling good with myself and my team behind me."
Realistically, if Zhou would finish top 3 in the overall F2 standings this season, he can consider moving on to F1 next year. As a Shanghai native, a 21-year-old driver could be racing at home at the Shanghai International Circuit if that happens.
"If I finish top 3 or even though winning the championship, I am sure there will be a really high chance for me to become a first Chinese F1 driver. Most of my time, I have been racing in Europe or the world, but I am not racing in my home Circuit. It is always a special moment. I am really looking forward to reaching the F1."
(Cover image: Race winner Zhou Guanyu of China and UNI-Virtuosi Racing celebrates on the podium during the Feature Race of Round 1:Sakhir of the Formula 2 Championship at Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain, March 28, 2021. /CFP)