With a patchy background of part seasons in Formula Renault
Asia, Formula 3 Asia and Formula Atlantic in the USA, a solid
affordable season of F2 was just what 23-year-old Finn Henri
Karjalainen needed to get all-important race experience and prove
his potential.
His crowning weekend came in Brno, where he flourished in the
tricky wet conditions to qualify third and tenth for the two races.
He narrowly missed out on his first podium in the opening race,
dropping to fourth, but bouncing back to exert severe pressure on
Philipp Eng in the closing stages. He was unfortunately involved in
a seven car collision in race two, but was back in the points at
Spa, coming through from 13th on the grid to finish seventh at the
chequered flag.
Henri challenged for a top ten berth on several other occasions
during the year, including 11th place finishes at Brands Hatch and
Imola, but he was unable to add to his seven point haul. He
finished the year level on points with fellow Scandinavian
Sebastian Hohenthal.
SPONSORS: Everyman, LTC Rakennus, Sport
Elite
BEST RESULTS: 4th, 7th, 2 x 11th
BEST QUALIFYING: 3rd, 10th, 12th
RACING IDOL: Mika Häkkinen, Ayrton
Senna
RESIDENCE DURING 2009 SEASON: Helsinki,
Finland
OTHER INTERESTS: All kinds of sport, Friends