David Beckmann’s Formula 2 return is perfect: The German will step in for the injured Cem Bölükbasi in Imola and start for Charouz
“I got a very surprising call on Tuesday,” The German will take over the Charouz cockpit from Cem Bölükbasi, who is still recovering from an injury the Turk sustained in a crash during free practice in Saudi Arabia.
“Apparently the injury got worse again on the first day of testing in Barcelona, which is why he couldn’t drive,” reports Beckmann, who was immediately called to Spain. “Then I got a call, but I’m always in contact with Antonin Charouz anyway because we’ve known each other for a while. I’m also the only driver with Formula 2 experience who is currently available.”
No sooner said than done: Beckmann travelled to Spain to contest the last day of testing with the team. “Of course it was nice to sit in the car again,” says the 21-year-old from Iserlohn happily. “It was good to get back into it a little bit like that, but then everything happened really quickly and there was the green light that I would then also start in Imola. It all happened very quickly. “
Imola a new challenge for all riders
Beckmann reckons he has a good chance at Imola, as the track is new territory for Formula 2, having never been raced there before. The German’s rivals therefore have no significant experience advantage at the traditional circuit. “It’s a new track for everyone involved, so I see the possibility of scoring good results,” said Beckmann.
Bölükbasi has broken a rib, which is why he is in pain and still needs time to heal the injury. Beckmann is only scheduled for Imola for the time being, as the following round will not take place until 21 and 22 May in Barcelona. If the Turk is ready for action again then, he will take his place with Charouz again.
“For now, Imola is on the agenda and then we’ll see how Cem is doing,” said Beckmann, who is fully focused on his comeback in Italy. “Whether there will be another opportunity for me is absolutely written in the stars.” For Beckmann, a short preparation is now on the agenda before he hits the road to compete in Imola.
Preparation for Formula 2 comeback underway
“I have my own little simulator at home, I’ve already done a few laps in it,” said the 21-year-old. “I’ve also been preparing a bit physically for it, but I’m in top shape anyway because I’m training for my Formula E role. I can’t do that much, which is why the test day in Spain was still so important.”
The objective is clear: “I’m certainly not going to get pole position, but I see a good chance of taking some points in the races.”
The Formula 2 race in Imola takes place on 23 and 24 April as part of Formula 1. Beckmann has contested 17 Formula 2 races so far in his career. His best result is a second place in the second sprint race at Baku in 2021, and he also drove to third place in the opening sprint race at Bahrain in the same season. In 2016, Beckmann raced in the European Formula 3 at Imola, where he finished fifth.
