Juan Manuel Correa will return to Formula 2 full-time in 2023, four years on from his life-threatening crash in the series.
The American-Ecuadorian was placed in a coma after a crash at Spa-Francorchamps that cost the life of Anthoine Hubert. Correa sustained serious damage to his lungs and legs that required him to learn how to walk again after extensive surgery.
After doing so, Correa worked on a return to racing and achieved that in FIA Formula 3 last year. He came 21st in the standings in his comeback season, then claimed a podium this year and finished an improved 13th in the championship.
Last month the opportunity arose to race in F2 again, with Correa standing in for another driver at Van Amersfoort Racing for the season finale. He had a penalty-filled weekend, but enjoyed the experience and has now signed with the team to contest the full 2023 campaign.
“Being back full-time in F2 means more to me than most people can imagine,” said Correa.
“It is not just an achievement in itself to be on this grid, but it also is a realisation of a goal that has been the epicentre of my efforts for the last three years, so it is a very emotional achievement.”He will drive alongside Richard Verschoor at the team. “I am super-grateful for the opportunity that VAR is giving me,” Correa continued. “I am very hungry, I am very motivated, and I know the team is as well.
“I am sure together we, the team and my team mate Richard, will make a great line-up and create a great working environment for everyone. We will be pushing each other to continuously improve, because we all want to do well this upcoming season.”
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In their first F2 season this year, VAR suffered from a rotation of drivers but did show pace quickly with a podium finish in their second event. However that was lost to a technical infringement, and subsequently the team’s best result was a fourth place. They finished the year with five consecutive strong points finishes.
“F2 is a competitive category, and I think VAR has done a really good job in their first year in the championship,” said Correa.
“With the little experience they had, they’ve put on a very impressive performance. I am looking forward to seeing how I can help the team improve and work together with them in this very exciting season!”
2022 Formula 2 grid so far
| Team | Driver | Driver |
|---|---|---|
| MP | Dennis Hauger | Jehan… |
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