Formula 2 is heading to Qatar for the penultimate round of the 2024 championship as the series visits the Lusail International Circuit for the first time.
The round will play a critical role in the championship battle as 2025 Sauber F1 driver Gabriel Bortoleto leads Red Bull prospect Isack Hadjar by 4.5 points.
Formula 1 has visited the circuit in Qatar a couple of times and will return this season. This venue is incredibly challenging due to its high-speed layout and the humidity in Lusail.
For Formula 2, the weekend will likely be one of the most physically demanding of the campaign, with the drivers having to learn a new track on top of the car being difficult to drive.
Victor Martins has endured a difficult season and didn’t score points in the opening two rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
The Frenchman will be looking to end the season strongly and explained to the official F2 website why the Lusail International Circuit will pose some distinct challenges.
Victor Martins feels he can ‘make the difference’ by ‘taking risks’ in Qatar
As Formula 2 will be visiting the Lusail International Circuit for the first time, it will even the playing field slightly early in the weekend.
It will be important to learn the track quickly in practice and learn as much as possible while fine-tuning the car’s setup.
Tyre degradation may also be a factor over the weekend, particularly in the Feature Race when drivers have to make a mandatory pit stop.
Martins explained that he feels he can make an impact for ART, who will be hoping for productive feedback from both the Frenchman and his teammate Luke Browning.
He said: “I always really like to discuss new tracks and new environments because it’s challenging. You can make the difference [in] dealing with a new situation, taking risks, getting some quick and good feedback straight away.
“So, there will be a few knowing it, but maybe 90% of the grid will not know it, so I like it. I like the challenge, and I like that I can make the difference against others when it’s all equal. We are on the same page [and the] same level of knowledge of the situation. I really like this.”
Victor Martins’ future is uncertain heading into 2025
Martins has had a successful junior career, winning the Formula Renault Eurocup title in 2020 before taking the FIA F3 championship two years later.
But the Frenchman has so far suffered a difficult two-year stint in F2, failing to build a title challenge while also overlooked by Alpine for a 2025 F1 drive as Jack Doohan moves up to replace Esteban ocon.
He doesn’t have any confirmed plans in racing for next year, and Alpine have ruled out Martins for a 2025 WEC drive despite him driving in the Rookie Test.