She called it the best race of her career.
Bianca Bustamante made the Philippines proud once again after completing a marvelous race at the Autodrome Nazionale Monza in Italy on Saturday. Against all odds, the 18-year-old Filipina speedster finished second in Race 2 of F1 Academy Round 5.
Bustamante did not only overcome a disadvantageous start, but also the mental hurdle she had after incurring a DNF (Did Not Finish) in Race 1, wherein she luckily escaped what could've been a disastrous accident.
"I was hit from behind and the car flew on top of me. Tires went over my head, but the halo saved my life today," Bustamante tweeted as she recalled the accident.
With the fortunate development, Bianca was able to soak in her fabulous performance in Race 2. She was elated, as she must be.
“My heart is so full right now, P9 to P2! Where to even begin, tough qualifying 1, getting hit at the start of race 1 leading to DNF. Mentally I was destroyed, Monza is my favorite track and I was hungry to just race,” she wrote.
Back against the wall, Bustamante rose to the challenge and banked on her skills and heart to power her through to the finish line.
“That’s what I did in Race 2, enjoying every single lap. Truly feeling the pure and raw emotion of driving, after a strong start we kept making pass after pass and even battled for the lead down to the last lap,” the young Filipina driver explained.
While Bustamante had already achieved success in the circuit, most notably her first F1 Academy triumph back in May, she considers her podium finish in Monza as the best performance of her young career.
“I’m honestly shocked and in tears, best race of my career so far. Today we all believed even when we were so lost for hope, and we fought back,” Bustamante spoke of her team.
Expect Bianca and her crew to be ready for Race 3, happening today, Sunday, at 3 p.m. Manila time. This will essentially conclude Round 5.
(Editor's Note: This article has been updated to accurately reflect the events' schedules.)
(GM)