- Swede set for milestone moment at the Bahrain Grand Prix
- Maiden Formula 1 free practice outing slated alongside F2 racing commitments
Excitement is at an all-time high for Dino Beganovic as the Swede prepares for a truly unforgettable moment at this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix, dovetailing round two of the FIA Formula 2 Championship with his first-ever outing in a Formula 1 free practice session with Scuderia Ferrari HP.
Sitting on the eve of a landmark career opportunity, Beganovic is set to become only the second Swede in history to drive for Ferrari in Formula 1 (after Stefan Johansson) when he makes his Free Practice 1 debut for the Italian outfit on Friday. It will mark Beganovic’s maiden outing in any official Formula 1 session.
“It’s a lot of emotions going into what will be a very special weekend,” says Dino Beganovic. “Just the fact we’re back to racing in F2 is exciting enough, and adding my debut Formula 1 free practice session on top of that is simply incredible. It’s a dream coming true for me to drive for Ferrari on a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend. It will be a big moment, both for myself, everyone around me, and I think for all of Swedish motorsport.”
The one-hour FP1 session in Ferrari’s SF-25 will take place in the middle of a particularly busy Friday for Beganovic, who will face the challenge of hopping between F2 and F1 machinery throughout the afternoon. Proceedings open with F2 practice at lunch time, swiftly followed by the F1 run, which then in turn leads into F2 qualifying less than 90 minutes later.
“I’m sure it will be a challenge jumping between the F2 and F1 car, but I feel like we have made the necessary arrangements,” Dino Beganovic continues. “We will have to be efficient with feedback, team debriefs and meetings. It’s a tough schedule, but it does mean I will have an extra hour of track time at this event, which is also a good thing.”
Beganovic’s competitive focus remains firmly on his Formula 2 commitments this weekend, the Hitech driver eager to make amends after a muddled opening round last time out in Melbourne.
A spin in the Sprint Race was followed by the cancellation of the Feature Race due to inclement weather, leaving Beganovic hungry for more as racing resumes in Bahrain – where he qualified on pole position in Formula 3 last year.
“After all that happened – and didn’t happen – in Australia, it’s good to finally be back racing in F2,” Beganovic concludes. “We had a three-day test here in Bahrain recently and found some interesting things that we’re keen to try out on track this weekend. Prep work in the sim has also gone well back in the UK, so I’m keen to find out how we go.”
Formula 2 will stage its usual pair of races this weekend, with the Sprint Race taking place on Saturday and the Feature Race on Sunday.
TIME TABLE
FIA Formula 2 Championship
Rd. 2 – Bahrain (BHR)
All times local (GMT+3)
Friday April 11
Free Practice: 12.05-12.50
Free Practice 1 – F1: 14.30-15.30
Qualifying: 16.55-17.25
Saturday April 12
Sprint Race: 17.15-18.00
Sunday April 13
Feature Race: 14.25-15.25
LIVE TIMING / RESULTS
www.fiaformula2.com
