Duerksen secures dominant back-to-back Sprint victory in Melbourne

Joshua Duerksen was in fine form to start the 2026 season, winning the opening sprint race in dominant fashion. The Paraguayan driver claimed his second consecutive victory in Melbourne Sprint Races, battling from second on the grid to the top step of the podium.

The race began with Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak holding the lead at lights out. However, Duerksen struck back on Lap 2, using DRS assistance to sweep into the lead entering Turn 9.

The session was marked by intense multi-car battles and a mid-race Safety Car period. The Safety Car was deployed on Lap 15 after Mari Boya hit the barriers at the exit of Turn 6.

On the restart, Duerksen established a comfortable gap over the field to remain unchallenged until the checkered flag. Behind him, the fight for the remaining podium places was decided by a mix of on-track overtakes and post-race penalties.

Campos Racing’s Noel León secured second place after a late-race dive into Turn 11. Alexander Dunne claimed the final spot on the podium for Rodin Motorsport, moving from eighth on the grid to third.

Dunne was promoted to the podium following a five-second time penalty for Martinius Stenshorne. The Norwegian was penalized for leaving the track and gaining an advantage, dropping him to tenth in the final standings.

Tasanapol Inthraphuvasak finished fourth for ART Grand Prix, ahead of Ritomo Miyata and Gabriele Minì. Laurens van Hoepen and Roman Bilinski rounded out the points-paying positions.

Duerksen now leads the championship with 10 points heading into Sunday's action. Invicta Racing also leads the Teams' Championship as they begin their title defense.

The first FIA Formula 2™ Feature Race of the season is set to get underway at 11:25 am local time on Sunday.