Correa prepared to 'face his fears' in Spa racing return

Juan Manuel Correa is set to make an "emotional" return to Spa Francorchamps this weekend as he races at the venue for the first time since the crash that cost Anthoine Hubert his life.

Correa and Hubert were involved in a lap one collision at Raidillon at the start of the 2019 F2 feature race.

While it proved fatal for Hubert, Correa spent two weeks in a coma and required 26 surgeries for injuries to his lungs, spine and legs.

After returning to action in F3 this year, the American-Ecuadorian has explained he will have to "deal with" the added emotion of the weekend.

"It will always be special for me because of what happened, because of Anthoine losing his life there," said Correa.

"It's always going to be emotional. There is also that angle which I will have to deal with.

"I will try to not let it distract me too much but it's a reality, and I am also happy to go there and race again after so long.

"It's going to be an opportunity for me to face my fears and show everyone that I can drive there without any issues and hopefully have some good races.”

Correa has scored points in four races since making his return debut with ART Grand Prix, but the 22-year-old conceded he is conflicted in his anticipation for the weekend.

“I think there are two JMs going to Spa," he explained. "There's going to be the 2021 Formula 3 season JM that's going to be focused and treat it like any other race.

"For sure, I want to continue with my progression of the season, score points, get a podium and I'd love to win a race.

"Then there is the personal JM whose life has been marked by what happened in Spa two years ago."

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