– Ferrari Driver Academy racer bows out with double podium in Abu Dhabi
– One tenth of a second from victory in dramatic Yas Marina drag race
Dino Beganovic wrapped up his five-week Formula Regional Asian Championship experience with a double podium in the last round of the campaign, coming the blink of an eye from victory at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit.
Beganovic swept to a pair of second places at the exotic Grand Prix venue, taking the runner-up slot in both the first and second race of the triple-header meeting.
“A great way to end this adventure here in the Middle East,” says Dino Beganovic. “Two podiums in the last round is a good achievement and I’ve really enjoyed the racing this weekend. It’s been close, to say the least!”
In Race 1, Beganovic made a swooping move around the outside of Red Bull junior Jak Crawford at the first corner, snatching P2 behind new champion and fellow Ferrari Driver Academy member Arthur Leclerc.
The Mumbai Falcons Swede then came tantalisingly close to victory in Race 2, chasing down leader Gabriele Minì in the closing stages and sprinting alongside the Italian towards the line on the final lap. Beganovic came within a hair’s breadth of victory, but eventually lost out by a mere tenth of a second.
Beganovic then ended the campaign, which acts as a precursor to his up-coming main 2022 commitment in the Formula Regional European Championship, with a P7 finish in Race 3. In doing so, he wounds up fifth in the final FRAC standings, just four points from third place.
“It’s slightly disappointing to lose out on the top three by such a small margin, but given the issues we have had on and off with the engine across these weeks, I think we have to be happy,” Dino Beganovic concludes. “I have learned so much and to be out here in the Middle East for five weeks, completing 15 races before March, is just invaluable.
“I want to thank everyone at Mumbai Falcons, Prema and FDA for having me out here this winter. I am looking forward to putting these lessons into good use during the European season!”
Beganovic will be back in action for the start of the Formula Regional European Championship at Monza on April 22-24.
RESULTS
Formula Regional Asian Championship
Rd. 5 – Abu Dhabi (UAE)
