This weekend sees the Formula 1 world championship reach its final destination of 2017 with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Also coming to a simultaneous end is the supporting Formula 2 series, where Sweden’s Gustav Malja is hoping to sign the campaign off with a points-paying performance at the ultra-modern Yas Marina Circuit.
“I’m looking forward to the finale,” says Gustav Malja. “The track in Abu Dhabi has a little bit of everything, and that makes it fun to drive. I’ve been preparing a lot for this weekend and I have high hopes. The target is to qualify strongly on Friday, to begin with, and then score as many points as possible in both races.”
Malja and his rivals last engaged in battle in Jerez (Spain) back in early October. Since then, the 610-bhp Formula 2 engines have sat at rest in anticipation of the up-coming final round of a thrilling campaign.
“There have been some long gaps between recent races, but I still feel like I’ve been able to maintain concentration,” Malja concludes. “I need to finish this season off with a good result. It’ll be my third year of racing in Abu Dhabi, and added to that we’ve done plenty of testing here, so I know exactly what to expect. Hopefully that will translate into a good reason to celebrate on Sunday evening.”
Like always in Formula 2, two races are set to be run this weekend. The 31-lap feature race takes place under floodlights on Saturday evening, while the 22-lap sprint encounter – which will bring the season to its close – is staged on Sunday morning.
Gustav Malja currently holds 13th place in the overall drivers’ standings, with a podium on the streets of Monaco back in May marking his highlight so far in 2017.
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