The Ecuadorian Juan Manuel Correa will return to the tracks this 2021, almost a year and a half after the Formula 2 accident at Spa-Francorchamps that left him in a coma for three weeks. Now, with his right leg almost rebuilt, the 21-year-old from the capital will race in F 3 with the French ART Grand Prix team, a new first step in his dream of racing in F1.
Is it a surprise return?
Yes, it is for everyone, including me, because I think what I have achieved is admirable. If a year ago they asked me if I saw myself here, I would have said difficult, but hopefully; yet I am here, anxious.
At the international level there is talk of a miracle, do you see it that way?
No, because it’s because of my job. Going back to racing was my goal, my motivation, I fought and I’m achieving it, I’m proud.
How is the recovery?
I’ve improved a lot, but I’m still not walking without assistance. I will be ready to drive, even before walking, which is very curious, but I am a pilot, not a soccer player, but with this injury my career would be over.
Before the accident, Correa achieved two podiums in Formula 2
What will the process of resuming competition be like?
I have to get back into my rhythm, it is a very high level of competition and I have to get used to it again. There will also be minor adaptations to the car to help me with the lack of movement in my right ankle to accelerate, but other than that I think there will be no problem.
In what condition was the right leg left with the accident?
It was rebuilt from the knee down. He had to grow more than 10 centimeters of new bone in the tibia, it was a very complicated process. Luckily I had no nerve complications, so I have perfect feeling and can control when I move and how much pressure I exert, which is key to controlling the throttle. The left was not damaged and that is the one used to brake.
What other part of the body could have complications?
There will be no problems, I had vertebral fractures, but that is 100%, in terms of muscles I have worked on a general adaptation. The only risk you have would be a strong crash like the one I had, something that is highly unlikely.
Why did you decide on a return to Formula 3?
The main thing, the times of the season (from May to October), that opens a window for me for some surgery at the end of the year if I need it and in case there is a return to F2, but also for the team, ART is one of the best in the category and I can run for podiums, hopefully for the championship. Finding a seat in F2 was difficult.
How was the management of looking for a place in this team?
There were previous links, but they were the ones who believed the most in the project because it is not something ordinary.
French Anthoine Hubert lost his life in the accident.
How could you convince the team managers?
We spoke in November and it was not easy. I told them that I wanted to run and they told me if for 2022, I said it was for this year and they thought it was a joke because at that time I was still in the wheelchair, they said I was crazy, but I had a work plan prepared and They convinced me, in two weeks I had their acceptance.
On what terms did you arrange your bond with the team?
There is nothing in writing to that effect, it is a championship contract. I want to go up to F2 in 2022 and I must have a good season, be prepared to return and if it is with excellent ART, but we will have that when the year ends.
What worries you about returning?
Not many things, I feel more comfortable and safe on the slopes than outside. I feel like I’m coming home. There are great challenges, but I am convinced that I will overcome them.
Is there any forecast of how it would evolve in tests?
To drive 100% I think I will be in a couple of months, to be in optimal condition with my legs it will be at least one more year. I will be racing in cars, but I will also continue with my rehabilitation.
What feelings do you have before returning to the competition?
A bit of nerves, but there is also happiness, although curiosity more than anything, for what it will be physically to be in the car, but in a couple of laps it will pass and I will be home.
Outside of which category you return, is competing already winning?
Yes, just the fact of driving something in Yahuarcocha (the racetrack) would already be a victory, that’s why being in the Formula 3 world championship, without much difference with F2 is a total triumph, I am still in that world and on that ladder, because my goal is Formula 1.
What would it mean to get on the podium in a race this year?
It would be a sample of all the work done and a great help to my confidence, because to go back and compete against people who have been active this time is to be at a disadvantage, but getting on a podium will give me a sense of calm, that things are going well.
What have you missed about racing?
The environment, the lifestyle, the pressure of running, these are things that you don’t realize, but when you don’t have it, you miss it. It’s been a boring months in that sense, I can’t wait to jump on these racing cars.
What did the return to the Spa circuit leave you last August?
It allowed me to make peace with what had happened, I had left it unresolved because after the accident I could never be there and reflect on what happened. It was good and for me it was important to be in that tribute to Anthoine (Hubert, deceased), who was a good pilot and personal friend. It was very emotional, but also very hard.
How did you receive the support of the motor world at this time?
The motorsport community showed how united it is, I received a lot of support after the accident and when the announcement of my return to competitions came in the people of the formula and in Ecuador I had spectacular support. That fills me with energy and motivates me. (D)
