Paraguayan Joshua Duerksen Wins FIA F2 Sprint Race in Belgium

Paraguayan racing driver Joshua Duerksen achieved a triumphant victory in the FIA Formula 2 sprint race at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium. Driving for Invicta Racing, Duerksen secured the win on the eighth round of the FIA Formula 2 season, marking his return to the top of the podium since his previous sprint race victory in Melbourne back in March.

The 25-year-old driver, who qualified seventh and started fourth due to the reversed grid system, made a strong start. He gained a position in the opening lap and moved into third place. By lap six, Duerksen executed a skillful maneuver to overtake Colombian-American driver Sebastián Montoya, moving into second place after consistent pressure.

Following an incident involving Cian Shields that brought out the safety car, Duerksen restarted the race. He initially pursued provisional leader Martinius Stenshorne of Norway. On lap 11, with DRS enabled, Duerksen executed a decisive overtake to take the lead. Further drama unfolded on lap 14 when John Bennett spun, leading to another safety car period.

As the safety car left the track with one lap remaining, Duerksen, born in Asunción on October 27, 2003, delivered an extraordinary restart. He accelerated powerfully to the finish line, clinching a hard-fought victory after a six-race gap since his last win.