Interview
‘I gave everything, so no regrets’ – Pin determined to return to winning ways after Jeddah let-down
Doriane Pin was unable to launch an effective challenge for the victory during Race 2 in Jeddah. As Chloe Chambers and Maya Weug were involved in their own battle, the Mercedes driver was left to wonder about her sudden lack of pace.
Pin started the day in P2 on the grid, hoping to get the better of Chambers who had never started from pole position in the series before. But as the Red Bull Ford driver got a good launch, Pin was embroiled in an opening lap contest with Weug, who surged through to take second place.
She was able to reclaim the spot soon after as the Ferrari racer ran wide in the lead of the race, allowing Chambers and Pin to retake their original positions. However, once again, Weug powered around the outside on Lap 4 and Pin was forced to settle into P3 for the remaining laps.
“Today was a bit tougher,” she conceded. “We need to analyse because yesterday the pace was mega and today it was a bit more difficult.
“I have a good team behind me so we’re going to for sure find answers. I was going for the win today and we were not fighting for this today, so now focus on the races ahead.
“The season is still beginning so I’m keeping my confidence on top because we are here, even if we were a bit under today. I’m looking forward to come back, and come back stronger.”
Pin was later given the opportunity of improving to P2 when Chambers was handed a five-second time penalty for forcing Weug off the track, motivating her to close the gap down and gain a place at the chequered flag.
Despite a respectable attempt to get closer over the final six laps, Chambers was simultaneously fighting to extend her lead – when the penalty was imposed, the two were separated by just 0.065s.
The result means that the Mercedes driver has relinquished her hold on the top spot in the Standings. She now trails Weug by seven points, with Chambers just five points further back as the trio begin to establish themselves as this season’s early frontrunners.
Pin said: “Obviously the last few laps were quite tough with the heat and stuff – the rears were overheating. I was doing my best. I kept nothing in my pocket, to be honest, and I was trying to take second place.
“I knew she had five seconds, but it was (0.065s), it’s nothing. I gave everything, so no regrets. Now we analyse to be better and drive better next time.
“I’m only here to win and I’m working very hard for this so I’m going to keep pushing.”