Junior Formula Racing

[Chrill]

And with that, we do get a bleak update regarding Correa.

https://www.racefans.net/2019/09/13/correas-parents-issue-update-on-sons-condition/

He is still in an induced coma, his vital signs are improving but very slowly.

"We have been reminded by the doctors that as long as Juan Manuel continues in an upward trend of improvement, even if very little, it is all that we can ask for at the moment. Infections are under control and respiratory indicators remain stable and all vital signs continue to remain consistent and stable."

Correa's condition is improving at a slow rate, his parents said. "We believe in our son's strength and determination, we see the minor improvement as an indication of him starting to turn the tide in his favour, we just need him to do it a little quicker.

[Penfold]

A positive update on Correa who has been brought out of his induced coma and taken off life support.  His condition has been upgraded from critical to serious and doctors are now set to work on the leg injuries he suffered: https://www.racefans.net/2019/09/20/correa-out-of-induced-coma-and-conscious-says-family/

[Chrill]

That is very encouraging. As his induced coma dragged on, I began fearing the worst. Although he may not race again, I am glad his health is slowly improving.

[Penfold]

It's certainly heartening to hear that the risk to his life is receding; let's hope the doctors can work their magic on his legs and get him back on his feet, even if that doesn't mean back to racing - although look at what Billy Monger's achieved since his horrific crash.

[Chrill]

Indy Pro 2000, the Indy equivalent of F3 (I suppose, if Indy Lights is F2), also ended their season at Laguna Seca yesterday. Rasmus Lindh, a Swedish teenager, won from pole position but it was not enough to keep Kyle Kirkwood (very American name) from clenching the title with just 2 points to spare.

I expect both to graduate to Indy Lights for 2020, so we may get a third Swede in IndyCar in the coming years!

[Chrill]

https://www.motorsport.com/fia-f2/news/correas-chooses-surgery-over-amputation/4549085/

Correa has recovered quickly as of late, is fully conscious, and his lungs have healed well. He has opted for reconstructive surgery on his right leg, the other option being amputation. He is in a condition strong enough to undergo the 10+ hour operation tomorrow (Sunday) which is all very positive considering the reports just a while back.

[Chrill]

https://www.racefans.net/2019/10/03/correa-makes-first-public-comments-since-spa-crash/

In his first own statement since the horrible crash at Spa, Correa announces that the surgery has gone very well and that the goal is to regain full control and usability of his right leg. He is scheduled for a second, less severe, operation in the next two weeks and expect to return home to USA in 6 weeks.

[Penfold]

Just a fantastic upswing in his condition compared to a few weeks back.

[Chrill]

W Series announces almost the entire 2020 grid, 18 of 20 drivers anyway. Among them Jamie Chadwick who returns to defend her title!

Alice Powell also returns. Other names of note include Abbie Eaton, aka the test driver from The Grand Tour (those disgraced former Top Gear lads), and an exciting new entry in the shape of Irina Sidorkova. She's only 16, but finished on the podium several times in her debut F4 season.

https://www.motorsport.com/w-series/news/2020-grid-drivers-announced-chadwick/4560879/

[Penfold]

I'm sure I read a while back that they're looking to add some non-European rounds for 2020.  Hang on a minute, don't go anywhere... found it: https://www.grandprix247.com/2019/10/08/w-series-could-feature-on-f1-bill-in-usa-and-mexico/

[Chrill]

They could also be joining DTM for 2020, which would give me a chance to see the W Series at Anderstorp!

[Penfold]

They could certainly do with bulking up the calendar to make it into a proper season of racing.

Correa has shared a video of himself standing for the first time since Spa (it's his most recent post): https://www.instagram.com/juanmanuelcorrea_/?utm_source=ig_embed

So that's good to see.

[Chrill]

https://www.motorsport.com/w-series/news/champion-restriction-superlicence-points-chadwick/4589387/

No FIA superlicence for Chadwick's 2019 W Series win, but they will award it according to F3 levels in 2020. Meaning the 2020 champ cannot return to W Series in 2021.

[Matt]

Personally, I think that's how it should be. They said it was a developmental series and not a segregated career. Drivers don't stay in developmental series if they win the title.

[Chrill]

Agree with you there. Jamie will race in W Series in 2020 (the series just confirmed their visit to Anderstorp alongside DTM, woo!), but a second championship win there should see her in F3 or F2 for 2021.