W
Wido Rossen
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Wido Rossen
Yeah and what a crash.
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHfirhmnonM[/media]
Im just glad that Jelmer is fine and unhurt.
2009 GP2 Series
- Thread starter Hans Sneep
- Start date
- Status
Yeah and what a crash.
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHfirhmnonM[/media]
Im just glad that Jelmer is fine and unhurt.
Thanks Wido,just mist the start today watching on Eurosport 2, have you see the start of the second race? Hulkenberg started from 8 Perz from 7't and Petrov from 6 place,after the first corner 1 Petrov 2 Perez 4 Hulkenberg,that is starting Wow.
Hans
Hans
W
Wido Rossen
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Wido Rossen
Update
Diego Nunes has won the first of Malaysia's two races by taking first blood in Saturday's feature race at Sepang. As the Piquet family looked on delightedly to see its car take victory, pole taker Jérôme d'Ambrosio lost the opportunity to even start the race when the DAMS car broke down and had to be returned to the pit lane.
With d'Ambrosio completely out of contention, Nunes led away from the second grid slot as Jakes' car was slow off the line. Behind them, the Super Nova of Villa failed to get away and was left stranded on the starting grid. The slow start of Jakes allowed Petrov into second, who was later overhauled by Kobayashi who took the second step of the podium, with Jakes recovering to third place.
Dutchman van der Garde narrowly missed Villa's stationary car when the lights went out before being handed with a drive-through penalty for jumping the start. Rodriguez finished the race fourth ahead of Yelmur Buurman, with a disappointed Petrov dropping bad to sixth as he struggled with his car.
Maldonado had an agricultural afternoon and finished right behind Vetrov, having failed on a number of occassions to overtake him. Davide Valsecci was annoyed to be stuck in the pits for longer that he'd anticipated, although eighth position will see him start Sunday's sprint race on pole position.
By,GP Update
Hans
Diego Nunes has won the first of Malaysia's two races by taking first blood in Saturday's feature race at Sepang. As the Piquet family looked on delightedly to see its car take victory, pole taker Jérôme d'Ambrosio lost the opportunity to even start the race when the DAMS car broke down and had to be returned to the pit lane.
With d'Ambrosio completely out of contention, Nunes led away from the second grid slot as Jakes' car was slow off the line. Behind them, the Super Nova of Villa failed to get away and was left stranded on the starting grid. The slow start of Jakes allowed Petrov into second, who was later overhauled by Kobayashi who took the second step of the podium, with Jakes recovering to third place.
Dutchman van der Garde narrowly missed Villa's stationary car when the lights went out before being handed with a drive-through penalty for jumping the start. Rodriguez finished the race fourth ahead of Yelmur Buurman, with a disappointed Petrov dropping bad to sixth as he struggled with his car.
Maldonado had an agricultural afternoon and finished right behind Vetrov, having failed on a number of occassions to overtake him. Davide Valsecci was annoyed to be stuck in the pits for longer that he'd anticipated, although eighth position will see him start Sunday's sprint race on pole position.
By,GP Update
Hans
Uitslag race 1
1 D. Nunes Piquet GP 1:00:46.668
2 K. Kobayashi DAMS + 8.361
3 J. Jakes Super Nova International + 9.150
4 Roldan Rodriguez Piquet GP + 13.874
5 Y. Buurman Ocean Racing Technology + 16.805
6 V. Petrov Addax + 41.457
7 P. Maldonado ART Grand Prix + 42.007
8 D. Valsecchi Durango + 42.831
9 H. Al Fardan iSport International + 51.152
10 R. Gonzalez FMS International + 53.152
11 A. Parente Qi-Meritus.Mahara + 54.435
12 S. Yamamoto ART Grand Prix + 59.958
13 M. Herck DPR + 1:01.473
14 G. van der Garde iSport International + 1:02.518
15 F. Crestani Ocean Racing Technology + 1:11.958
16 G. Ricci DPR + 1:34.318
17 R. Teixeira Trident Racing + 1:50.428
18 M. Dalle Stelle Durango + 1:51.455
19 J. Villa Super Nova International + 1 laps
20 K. Nai Chia Chen FMS International + 1 laps
Did not finish
21 M. Bonanomi Qi-Meritus.Mahara + 17 laps
22 S. Perez Addax + 19 laps
23 L. Razia Arden International + 23 laps
24 E. Mortara Arden International + 33 laps
25 J. d`Ambrosio DAMS + 33 laps
26 D. Rigon Trident Racing + 33 laps
By,GP Update
Hans
1 D. Nunes Piquet GP 1:00:46.668
2 K. Kobayashi DAMS + 8.361
3 J. Jakes Super Nova International + 9.150
4 Roldan Rodriguez Piquet GP + 13.874
5 Y. Buurman Ocean Racing Technology + 16.805
6 V. Petrov Addax + 41.457
7 P. Maldonado ART Grand Prix + 42.007
8 D. Valsecchi Durango + 42.831
9 H. Al Fardan iSport International + 51.152
10 R. Gonzalez FMS International + 53.152
11 A. Parente Qi-Meritus.Mahara + 54.435
12 S. Yamamoto ART Grand Prix + 59.958
13 M. Herck DPR + 1:01.473
14 G. van der Garde iSport International + 1:02.518
15 F. Crestani Ocean Racing Technology + 1:11.958
16 G. Ricci DPR + 1:34.318
17 R. Teixeira Trident Racing + 1:50.428
18 M. Dalle Stelle Durango + 1:51.455
19 J. Villa Super Nova International + 1 laps
20 K. Nai Chia Chen FMS International + 1 laps
Did not finish
21 M. Bonanomi Qi-Meritus.Mahara + 17 laps
22 S. Perez Addax + 19 laps
23 L. Razia Arden International + 23 laps
24 E. Mortara Arden International + 33 laps
25 J. d`Ambrosio DAMS + 33 laps
26 D. Rigon Trident Racing + 33 laps
By,GP Update
Hans
Uitslag race 2
Vitaly Petrov has taken victory for Campos in the second of this weekend's races, by crossing the line comfortably ahead of Pastor Maldonado and Davide Valsecchi, with yesterday's winner Diego Nunes coming up to fourth from eighth at the start.
A heavy Malaysian rainstorm saw the start of the race delayed by ten minutes, which was followed by a second delay as the torrential conditions failed to abate. The safety car was summoned to examine the state of the circuit as race directors called a third ten 10-minute call, meaning the start of the race finally coming, under safety car conditions, half an hour later than scheduled.
With the 22-lap face cut short to 20, it started without Yamamoto and Nai Chia Chen who stalled on the starting grid. As the safety car came in, Valsecchi pulled away for Durango as Maldonado avoided contact between the pair while simutaneously holding off Petrov in third position. Behind, James Jakes was proving just how hard conditions were by spinning the Super Nova with practically nil visibility.
Valsecchi continued to do a brilliant job of holding off Maldonado as the pair went side-by-side around Turn 1 in the slippery conditions, with the Venezuelan finally passing for the lead at Turn 4 just moments later.
With plenty of dicing taking place in the midfield, it was Maldonado's turn to relinquish the lead when an aggressive but fair pass by Petrov saw the Russian move into the lead at Turn 15 on the tenth lap. Vitaly immediately pulled away although a fastest lap of more than two minutes was further proof, which the drivers didn't need, of how treacherous conditions were.
Jérôme d'Ambrosio's rotton weekend came to a depressing conclusion when the DAMS was black flagged and disqualified from the race after a pass on Bonanomi under a yellow flag - the Belgian overshot Turn 9, almost colliding with a group of marshalls attending to Micheal Herck's stranded DPR car. What had promised to be a great weekend for d'Ambrosio, with pole on Saturday followed by a car failure, turned into a disaster of which he will want to make up for in Bahrain.
Petrov's victory keeps his title hopes alive, particularly as Kobayashi's chances took a small knock by being passed on the finish line by Sergio Perez; the title will be decided in the Middle East in two weeks with Kobayashi, Valsecci, Petrov and Rodriguez all still with a chance.
By GP Update
Hans
Vitaly Petrov has taken victory for Campos in the second of this weekend's races, by crossing the line comfortably ahead of Pastor Maldonado and Davide Valsecchi, with yesterday's winner Diego Nunes coming up to fourth from eighth at the start.
A heavy Malaysian rainstorm saw the start of the race delayed by ten minutes, which was followed by a second delay as the torrential conditions failed to abate. The safety car was summoned to examine the state of the circuit as race directors called a third ten 10-minute call, meaning the start of the race finally coming, under safety car conditions, half an hour later than scheduled.
With the 22-lap face cut short to 20, it started without Yamamoto and Nai Chia Chen who stalled on the starting grid. As the safety car came in, Valsecchi pulled away for Durango as Maldonado avoided contact between the pair while simutaneously holding off Petrov in third position. Behind, James Jakes was proving just how hard conditions were by spinning the Super Nova with practically nil visibility.
Valsecchi continued to do a brilliant job of holding off Maldonado as the pair went side-by-side around Turn 1 in the slippery conditions, with the Venezuelan finally passing for the lead at Turn 4 just moments later.
With plenty of dicing taking place in the midfield, it was Maldonado's turn to relinquish the lead when an aggressive but fair pass by Petrov saw the Russian move into the lead at Turn 15 on the tenth lap. Vitaly immediately pulled away although a fastest lap of more than two minutes was further proof, which the drivers didn't need, of how treacherous conditions were.
Jérôme d'Ambrosio's rotton weekend came to a depressing conclusion when the DAMS was black flagged and disqualified from the race after a pass on Bonanomi under a yellow flag - the Belgian overshot Turn 9, almost colliding with a group of marshalls attending to Micheal Herck's stranded DPR car. What had promised to be a great weekend for d'Ambrosio, with pole on Saturday followed by a car failure, turned into a disaster of which he will want to make up for in Bahrain.
Petrov's victory keeps his title hopes alive, particularly as Kobayashi's chances took a small knock by being passed on the finish line by Sergio Perez; the title will be decided in the Middle East in two weeks with Kobayashi, Valsecci, Petrov and Rodriguez all still with a chance.
By GP Update
Hans
Uitslag race 2
1 V. Petrov Addax 45:41.349
2 P. Maldonado ART Grand Prix + 2.914
3 D. Valsecchi Durango + 4.339
4 D. Nunes Piquet GP + 6.357
5 H. Al Fardan iSport International + 21.539
6 S. Perez Addax + 24.489
7 K. Kobayashi DAMS + 24.522
8 R. Gonzalez FMS International + 26.108
9 A. Parente Qi-Meritus.Mahara + 26.956
10 G. van der Garde iSport International + 35.725
11 Y. Buurman Ocean Racing Technology + 37.306
12 Roldan Rodriguez Piquet GP + 37.683
13 D. Rigon Trident Racing + 44.390
14 M. Bonanomi Qi-Meritus.Mahara + 46.358
15 G. Ricci DPR + 47.818
16 F. Crestani Ocean Racing Technology + 48.476
17 E. Mortara Arden International + 48.640
18 J. Villa Super Nova International + 1:09.849
19 R. Teixeira Trident Racing + 1:21.557
20 M. Dalle Stelle Durango + 1:56.537
Did not finish
21 J. d`Ambrosio DAMS + 6 laps
22 S. Yamamoto ART Grand Prix + 6 laps
23 M. Herck DPR + 11 laps
24 L. Razia Arden International + 11 laps
25 K. Nai Chia Chen FMS International + 15 laps
26 J. Jakes Super Nova International + 16 laps
By GP Update
Hans
1 V. Petrov Addax 45:41.349
2 P. Maldonado ART Grand Prix + 2.914
3 D. Valsecchi Durango + 4.339
4 D. Nunes Piquet GP + 6.357
5 H. Al Fardan iSport International + 21.539
6 S. Perez Addax + 24.489
7 K. Kobayashi DAMS + 24.522
8 R. Gonzalez FMS International + 26.108
9 A. Parente Qi-Meritus.Mahara + 26.956
10 G. van der Garde iSport International + 35.725
11 Y. Buurman Ocean Racing Technology + 37.306
12 Roldan Rodriguez Piquet GP + 37.683
13 D. Rigon Trident Racing + 44.390
14 M. Bonanomi Qi-Meritus.Mahara + 46.358
15 G. Ricci DPR + 47.818
16 F. Crestani Ocean Racing Technology + 48.476
17 E. Mortara Arden International + 48.640
18 J. Villa Super Nova International + 1:09.849
19 R. Teixeira Trident Racing + 1:21.557
20 M. Dalle Stelle Durango + 1:56.537
Did not finish
21 J. d`Ambrosio DAMS + 6 laps
22 S. Yamamoto ART Grand Prix + 6 laps
23 M. Herck DPR + 11 laps
24 L. Razia Arden International + 11 laps
25 K. Nai Chia Chen FMS International + 15 laps
26 J. Jakes Super Nova International + 16 laps
By GP Update
Hans
Final Race Asia series
24 April Bahrain,Final race Asia series:
DAMS driver Jérôme d'Ambrosio finished ahead of team-mate Kamui Kobayashi in today's qualifying session at Sakhir, but it will be the Japanese who will start on pole position tomorrow with the Piquet duo chasing after him.
After achieving a first pole position in Malaysia three weeks ago, d'Ambrosio posted another quickest lap time in today's last qualifying session in Bahrain, scene of the final GP2 Asia Series races of the season.
However, following a black flag received in Sepang's sprint race, Belgian d'Ambrosio will drop ten places on the grid for tomorrow's feature race grid. Therefore team-mate and championship leader, Kamui Kobayashi, starts on pole position and pockets the two bonus points in the process and taking him even closer to the title.
Shanghai's feature race winner Roldan Rodriguez and Sepang's feature race winner Diego Nunes at Piquet confirmed their morning's good form and will start tomorrow's race respectively from second and third place.
ART's Pastor Maldonado posted a laptime good enough to put him fifth quickest of the session with just five minutes left on the clock. But the man rounding up the Top 10 could have featured higher in the hierarchy had he had not been slightly blocked by Maldonado in his flying lap. Sadly for him, Qi-Meritus' Alvaro Parente will have to be satisfied with a tenth best laptime for today. On the other hand, the experienced Venezuelan received a five position grid penalty.
At Arden's, rookie Luiz Razia once again displayed a good pace, posting the sixth best laptime, ahead of another rookie Giedo van der Garde at GFH Team iSport. Davide Valsecchi may have lost the opportunity to keep the title fight alive past the feature race as he could only set the eighth best performance barely edging out Javier Villa.
Only two laps completed during this morning's practice and a wrong choice of set up in this afternoon's qualifying session will see title contender Vitaly Petrov start from 20th tomorrow. Kobayashi's road to the GP2 Asia crown seems wide opened.
GP Update
Hans
24 April Bahrain,Final race Asia series:
DAMS driver Jérôme d'Ambrosio finished ahead of team-mate Kamui Kobayashi in today's qualifying session at Sakhir, but it will be the Japanese who will start on pole position tomorrow with the Piquet duo chasing after him.
After achieving a first pole position in Malaysia three weeks ago, d'Ambrosio posted another quickest lap time in today's last qualifying session in Bahrain, scene of the final GP2 Asia Series races of the season.
However, following a black flag received in Sepang's sprint race, Belgian d'Ambrosio will drop ten places on the grid for tomorrow's feature race grid. Therefore team-mate and championship leader, Kamui Kobayashi, starts on pole position and pockets the two bonus points in the process and taking him even closer to the title.
Shanghai's feature race winner Roldan Rodriguez and Sepang's feature race winner Diego Nunes at Piquet confirmed their morning's good form and will start tomorrow's race respectively from second and third place.
ART's Pastor Maldonado posted a laptime good enough to put him fifth quickest of the session with just five minutes left on the clock. But the man rounding up the Top 10 could have featured higher in the hierarchy had he had not been slightly blocked by Maldonado in his flying lap. Sadly for him, Qi-Meritus' Alvaro Parente will have to be satisfied with a tenth best laptime for today. On the other hand, the experienced Venezuelan received a five position grid penalty.
At Arden's, rookie Luiz Razia once again displayed a good pace, posting the sixth best laptime, ahead of another rookie Giedo van der Garde at GFH Team iSport. Davide Valsecchi may have lost the opportunity to keep the title fight alive past the feature race as he could only set the eighth best performance barely edging out Javier Villa.
Only two laps completed during this morning's practice and a wrong choice of set up in this afternoon's qualifying session will see title contender Vitaly Petrov start from 20th tomorrow. Kobayashi's road to the GP2 Asia crown seems wide opened.
GP Update
Hans
Starting grid
Starting grid Saturday:
1 J. d`Ambrosio DAMS 1:43.572
2 K. Kobayashi DAMS 1:43.863
3 Roldan Rodriguez Piquet GP 1:43.910
4 D. Nunes Piquet GP 1:44.014
5 P. Maldonado ART Grand Prix 1:44.101
6 L. Razia Arden International 1:44.141
7 G. van der Garde iSport International 1:44.174
8 D. Valsecchi Durango 1:44.310
9 J. Villa Super Nova International 1:44.319
10 A. Parente Qi-Meritus.Mahara 1:44.321
11 K. Chandhok Ocean Racing Technology 1:44.472
12 M. Bonanomi Qi-Meritus.Mahara 1:44.477
13 S. Perez Addax 1:44.546
14 J. Jakes Super Nova International 1:44.552
15 D. Rigon Trident Racing 1:44.649
16 H. Al Fardan iSport International 1:44.673
17 S. Yamamoto ART Grand Prix 1:44.705
18 R. Gonzalez FMS International 1:44.747
19 E. Mortara Arden International 1:44.864
20 V. Petrov Addax 1:44.879
21 M. Herck DPR 1:44.921
22 G. Ricci DPR 1:45.676
23 F. Crestani Ocean Racing Technology 1:45.837
24 K. Nai Chia Chen FMS International 1:46.428
25 R. Teixeira Trident Racing 1:46.485
26 M. Dalle Stelle Durango 1:46.702
Jerome d'Ambrosio received a penalty of 10 places.
TV coverage:
The two races will be broadcasted live by Eurosport 2, the first on Saturday April 25 at 13:45 and the second on Sunday April 26 at 09:30 am UK time.
GP Update
Hans
Starting grid Saturday:
1 J. d`Ambrosio DAMS 1:43.572
2 K. Kobayashi DAMS 1:43.863
3 Roldan Rodriguez Piquet GP 1:43.910
4 D. Nunes Piquet GP 1:44.014
5 P. Maldonado ART Grand Prix 1:44.101
6 L. Razia Arden International 1:44.141
7 G. van der Garde iSport International 1:44.174
8 D. Valsecchi Durango 1:44.310
9 J. Villa Super Nova International 1:44.319
10 A. Parente Qi-Meritus.Mahara 1:44.321
11 K. Chandhok Ocean Racing Technology 1:44.472
12 M. Bonanomi Qi-Meritus.Mahara 1:44.477
13 S. Perez Addax 1:44.546
14 J. Jakes Super Nova International 1:44.552
15 D. Rigon Trident Racing 1:44.649
16 H. Al Fardan iSport International 1:44.673
17 S. Yamamoto ART Grand Prix 1:44.705
18 R. Gonzalez FMS International 1:44.747
19 E. Mortara Arden International 1:44.864
20 V. Petrov Addax 1:44.879
21 M. Herck DPR 1:44.921
22 G. Ricci DPR 1:45.676
23 F. Crestani Ocean Racing Technology 1:45.837
24 K. Nai Chia Chen FMS International 1:46.428
25 R. Teixeira Trident Racing 1:46.485
26 M. Dalle Stelle Durango 1:46.702
Jerome d'Ambrosio received a penalty of 10 places.
TV coverage:
The two races will be broadcasted live by Eurosport 2, the first on Saturday April 25 at 13:45 and the second on Sunday April 26 at 09:30 am UK time.
GP Update
Hans
Results first race
1 D. Nunes Piquet GP 59:59.025
2 Roldan Rodriguez Piquet GP + 4.906
3 J. d`Ambrosio DAMS + 7.905
4 K. Kobayashi DAMS + 15.282
5 G. van der Garde iSport International + 20.774
6 S. Yamamoto ART Grand Prix + 31.624
7 D. Rigon Trident Racing + 48.010
8 L. Razia Arden International + 50.923
9 K. Chandhok Ocean Racing Technology + 55.684
10 J. Jakes Super Nova International + 55.853
11 G. Ricci DPR + 57.571
12 S. Perez Addax + 57.875
13 M. Herck DPR + 58.122
14 M. Bonanomi Qi-Meritus.Mahara + 5.328
15 J. Villa Super Nova International + 1:15.745
16 D. Valsecchi Durango + 1:18.429
17 R. Teixeira Trident Racing + 1:28.508
18 F. Crestani Ocean Racing Technology + 1 laps
19 V. Petrov Addax + 2 laps
Did not finish
20 R. Gonzalez FMS International + 15 laps
21 E. Mortara Arden International + 18 laps
22 A. Parente Qi-Meritus.Mahara + 18 laps
23 H. Al Fardan iSport International + 33 laps
24 K. Nai Chia Chen FMS International + 33 laps
25 P. Maldonado ART Grand Prix + 33 laps
26 M. Dalle Stelle Durango + 33 laps
GP Update
Hans
1 D. Nunes Piquet GP 59:59.025
2 Roldan Rodriguez Piquet GP + 4.906
3 J. d`Ambrosio DAMS + 7.905
4 K. Kobayashi DAMS + 15.282
5 G. van der Garde iSport International + 20.774
6 S. Yamamoto ART Grand Prix + 31.624
7 D. Rigon Trident Racing + 48.010
8 L. Razia Arden International + 50.923
9 K. Chandhok Ocean Racing Technology + 55.684
10 J. Jakes Super Nova International + 55.853
11 G. Ricci DPR + 57.571
12 S. Perez Addax + 57.875
13 M. Herck DPR + 58.122
14 M. Bonanomi Qi-Meritus.Mahara + 5.328
15 J. Villa Super Nova International + 1:15.745
16 D. Valsecchi Durango + 1:18.429
17 R. Teixeira Trident Racing + 1:28.508
18 F. Crestani Ocean Racing Technology + 1 laps
19 V. Petrov Addax + 2 laps
Did not finish
20 R. Gonzalez FMS International + 15 laps
21 E. Mortara Arden International + 18 laps
22 A. Parente Qi-Meritus.Mahara + 18 laps
23 H. Al Fardan iSport International + 33 laps
24 K. Nai Chia Chen FMS International + 33 laps
25 P. Maldonado ART Grand Prix + 33 laps
26 M. Dalle Stelle Durango + 33 laps
GP Update
Hans
The Story
DAMS driver Kamui Kobayashi clinched the GP2 Asia Series title in today's feature race in Bahrain while Diego Nunes secured a second win of the season ahead of team-mate Roldan Rodriguez.
The Toyota Formula One test driver's poor start from pole position today meant that he could not celebrate his GP2 Asia Series title on the podium, but the new champion managed to make his way back to the front of the field again thanks to an early pitstop.
With his closest rivals failing to score, most notably Valsecchi who stalled on the grid, Kobayashi's P4 finish was enough to clinch the 2009 GP2 Asia Series crown.
While Kobayashi completely mistimed the red lights going out, both Piquet drivers managed a perfect getaway, with Nunes pulling away quicker than Rodriguez to take the lead. The rest of the race looked pretty easy for the two men who never faltered and crossed the finish line in that same order, bagging eighteen points and putting their team into second place in the championship, four points clear of Campos.
Another man to shine today was Jérôme d'Ambrosio who recovered from a ten place grid penalty to finish on the podium. Quickest yesterday in qualifying, the Belgian fought his way back from eleventh, overtaking first Giedo van der Garde, then Razia and finally his team-mate for third place, whilst setting a sequence of fastest laps; this strong result gives him an opportunity to finish in the championship's top three and also gave GAMS the teams' title.
Behind the top four, iSport's van der Garde finished fifth ahead of Sakon Yamamoto. The ART racer led for a couple of laps as he pitted later than the leaders. After that, the Japanese charged through the field and worked his way to sixth. Just like Yamamoto, Trident's Davide Rigon also pitted late and benefited from fresh tyres to pass first Karun Chandhok and then Luiz Razia. The Brazilian Arden driver hence will start from pole with the reversed grid system for tomorrow.
With Kamui Kobayashi crowned champion, all eyes now turn towards the four men who can still claim the runner-up spot: Roldan Rodriguez overhauled Davide Valsecchi in the feature race, now with 35 and 34 points espectively. The flying Jérôme d'Ambrosio stands fourth on 30 points with Vitaly Petrov, who won in Malaysia, now fifth on 28.
GP Update
Hans
DAMS driver Kamui Kobayashi clinched the GP2 Asia Series title in today's feature race in Bahrain while Diego Nunes secured a second win of the season ahead of team-mate Roldan Rodriguez.
The Toyota Formula One test driver's poor start from pole position today meant that he could not celebrate his GP2 Asia Series title on the podium, but the new champion managed to make his way back to the front of the field again thanks to an early pitstop.
With his closest rivals failing to score, most notably Valsecchi who stalled on the grid, Kobayashi's P4 finish was enough to clinch the 2009 GP2 Asia Series crown.
While Kobayashi completely mistimed the red lights going out, both Piquet drivers managed a perfect getaway, with Nunes pulling away quicker than Rodriguez to take the lead. The rest of the race looked pretty easy for the two men who never faltered and crossed the finish line in that same order, bagging eighteen points and putting their team into second place in the championship, four points clear of Campos.
Another man to shine today was Jérôme d'Ambrosio who recovered from a ten place grid penalty to finish on the podium. Quickest yesterday in qualifying, the Belgian fought his way back from eleventh, overtaking first Giedo van der Garde, then Razia and finally his team-mate for third place, whilst setting a sequence of fastest laps; this strong result gives him an opportunity to finish in the championship's top three and also gave GAMS the teams' title.
Behind the top four, iSport's van der Garde finished fifth ahead of Sakon Yamamoto. The ART racer led for a couple of laps as he pitted later than the leaders. After that, the Japanese charged through the field and worked his way to sixth. Just like Yamamoto, Trident's Davide Rigon also pitted late and benefited from fresh tyres to pass first Karun Chandhok and then Luiz Razia. The Brazilian Arden driver hence will start from pole with the reversed grid system for tomorrow.
With Kamui Kobayashi crowned champion, all eyes now turn towards the four men who can still claim the runner-up spot: Roldan Rodriguez overhauled Davide Valsecchi in the feature race, now with 35 and 34 points espectively. The flying Jérôme d'Ambrosio stands fourth on 30 points with Vitaly Petrov, who won in Malaysia, now fifth on 28.
GP Update
Hans
Result last race
Last Race Asia series: April 26
Luiz Razia has won the final race of the GP2 Asia Series season. The sprintrace polesitter dominated in Bahrain to take the chequered flag. Jérôme d'Ambrosio became Vice Champion by finishing second. David Rigon took third place.
Jérôme d'Ambrosio drove his heart out in today's sprint race at the Bahrain International circuit. Starting from sixth place, the Belgian from Dams' made another brilliant start that put him fourth. He then signed the fastest laptime, overtook Yamamoto and finally, in the very last stages of the race, he passed Rigon. With six more points, d'Ambrosio became Vice Champion, stating once more Dams' excellent form.
Much mayhem happened at the start. As Luiz Razia perfectly took off, behind, the championship's story was settled for Rodriguez and Valsecchi who were simultaneously taken out respectively by Karun Chandhok and Pastor Maldonado. In the same incident, FMS' Gonzalez was also touched and the five cars stopped on the track had the safety car deployed in the very first lap. At that point, the standings of the championship were unchanged with Rodriguez on 35 points, Valsecchi on 34 and d'Ambrosio on 33.
At the restart, Razia managed to keep his lead and was never to be caught by a slower Rigon. Behind them, d'Ambrosio passed Yamamoto for third place and immediately signed the quickest laptime, pocketing the bonus point. The Belgian was then third in the drivers' standings as Rodriguez had scored a win in Shanghai. So, it wasn't enough, and Jérôme knew it. He tried to intimidate Trident's Davide Rigon who resisted well under the pressure. Thinking about preserving his tyres, d'Ambrosio waited until the second to last lap to finally and successfully overtake Rigon, adding another podium-finish to his season and scored enough points to be declared Vice Champion.
Luiz Razia claimed a maiden win, while Davide Rigon bagged his first podium for Trident Racing. Behind the Top three, Sakon Yamamoto finished fourth ahead of the newly appointed Champion Kamui Kobayashi. Diego Nunes fought his way back to sixth place after a small mistake at the restart that saw him drop two places.
Dams' duo takes the two top spots in the Drivers' Championship. Roldan Rodriguez completes the Top 3 ahead of Davide Valsecchi and Vitaly Petrov. Nico Hülkenberg finishes sixth and best rookie although he competed for only one third of the season.
In the Teams' classification, French team Dams are champions ahead of Piquet GP and Barwa International Campos Team. Last season's winners, ART Grand Prix, stands fourth.
GP Update
Hans
Last Race Asia series: April 26
Luiz Razia has won the final race of the GP2 Asia Series season. The sprintrace polesitter dominated in Bahrain to take the chequered flag. Jérôme d'Ambrosio became Vice Champion by finishing second. David Rigon took third place.
Jérôme d'Ambrosio drove his heart out in today's sprint race at the Bahrain International circuit. Starting from sixth place, the Belgian from Dams' made another brilliant start that put him fourth. He then signed the fastest laptime, overtook Yamamoto and finally, in the very last stages of the race, he passed Rigon. With six more points, d'Ambrosio became Vice Champion, stating once more Dams' excellent form.
Much mayhem happened at the start. As Luiz Razia perfectly took off, behind, the championship's story was settled for Rodriguez and Valsecchi who were simultaneously taken out respectively by Karun Chandhok and Pastor Maldonado. In the same incident, FMS' Gonzalez was also touched and the five cars stopped on the track had the safety car deployed in the very first lap. At that point, the standings of the championship were unchanged with Rodriguez on 35 points, Valsecchi on 34 and d'Ambrosio on 33.
At the restart, Razia managed to keep his lead and was never to be caught by a slower Rigon. Behind them, d'Ambrosio passed Yamamoto for third place and immediately signed the quickest laptime, pocketing the bonus point. The Belgian was then third in the drivers' standings as Rodriguez had scored a win in Shanghai. So, it wasn't enough, and Jérôme knew it. He tried to intimidate Trident's Davide Rigon who resisted well under the pressure. Thinking about preserving his tyres, d'Ambrosio waited until the second to last lap to finally and successfully overtake Rigon, adding another podium-finish to his season and scored enough points to be declared Vice Champion.
Luiz Razia claimed a maiden win, while Davide Rigon bagged his first podium for Trident Racing. Behind the Top three, Sakon Yamamoto finished fourth ahead of the newly appointed Champion Kamui Kobayashi. Diego Nunes fought his way back to sixth place after a small mistake at the restart that saw him drop two places.
Dams' duo takes the two top spots in the Drivers' Championship. Roldan Rodriguez completes the Top 3 ahead of Davide Valsecchi and Vitaly Petrov. Nico Hülkenberg finishes sixth and best rookie although he competed for only one third of the season.
In the Teams' classification, French team Dams are champions ahead of Piquet GP and Barwa International Campos Team. Last season's winners, ART Grand Prix, stands fourth.
GP Update
Hans
Final standings
1. K. Kobayashi 56
2. J. d`Ambrosio 36
3. Roldan Rodriguez 35
4. D. Valsecchi 34
5. V. Petrov 28
6. N. Hulkenberg 27
7. S. Perez 26
8. D. Nunes 24
9. S. Yamamoto 13
10. J. Villa 12
11. E. Mortara 11
12. G. van der Garde11
13. L. Razia 9
14. E. Bamber 8
15. P. Maldonado 7
16. J. Jakes 7
17. D. Rigon 6
18. C. van der Drift 5
19. Y. Buurman 4
20. H. Al Fardan 2
21. A. Parente 1
22. M. Bonanomi 0
23. R. Gonzalez 0
24. H. Yoshimoto 0
25. K. Chandhok 0
26. A. Yoong 0
27. G. Ricci 0
28. F. Crestani 0
29. M. Mäki 0
30. L. Filippi 0
31. R. Van der Zande 0
32. A. Zuber 0
33. C. Iaconelli 0
34. Y. Sekiguchi 0
35. M. Herck 0
36. N. Philippe 0
37. F. Provenzano 0
38. K. Nai Chia Chen 0
39. A. Valerio 0
40. R. Teixeira 0
41. M. Dalle Stelle 0
42. A. Valles 0
GP2 Main series start on May 9-10 Barcelona
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1. K. Kobayashi 56
2. J. d`Ambrosio 36
3. Roldan Rodriguez 35
4. D. Valsecchi 34
5. V. Petrov 28
6. N. Hulkenberg 27
7. S. Perez 26
8. D. Nunes 24
9. S. Yamamoto 13
10. J. Villa 12
11. E. Mortara 11
12. G. van der Garde11
13. L. Razia 9
14. E. Bamber 8
15. P. Maldonado 7
16. J. Jakes 7
17. D. Rigon 6
18. C. van der Drift 5
19. Y. Buurman 4
20. H. Al Fardan 2
21. A. Parente 1
22. M. Bonanomi 0
23. R. Gonzalez 0
24. H. Yoshimoto 0
25. K. Chandhok 0
26. A. Yoong 0
27. G. Ricci 0
28. F. Crestani 0
29. M. Mäki 0
30. L. Filippi 0
31. R. Van der Zande 0
32. A. Zuber 0
33. C. Iaconelli 0
34. Y. Sekiguchi 0
35. M. Herck 0
36. N. Philippe 0
37. F. Provenzano 0
38. K. Nai Chia Chen 0
39. A. Valerio 0
40. R. Teixeira 0
41. M. Dalle Stelle 0
42. A. Valles 0
GP2 Main series start on May 9-10 Barcelona
Hans
GP2 Main series
Barcelona 9-10 May
Hans
Barcelona 9-10 May
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Barcalona First race
First race of the new season:09-05
Romain Grosjean continued his domination of the weekend by winning the first race of the 2009 season from pole position in Barcelona. The Frenchman crossed the line two and a half seconds ahead of team-mate Vitaly Petrov in an impressive one-two result for the Campos team.
A great pole position on Friday was helped by a great start for Grosjean. The Renault Formula One test driver pulled away and was never headed during the race, which was broken up by a safety car period in the closing stages. The leader was not phased by this, however, and stretched out a comfortable lead immediately on the restart.
The Frenchman's race was set up at the start when he outdragged front row starter Lucas di Grassi to the first corner, with Petrov and d'Ambrosio also slipping inside the Brazilian as they set off after Grosjean. The teammates swapped fastest laps over the first half of the race, and while the Belgian could at least keep them in sight, di Grassi was struggling as he was soon under pressure from a hard charging Luca Filippi.
The Italian was finally through on lap 13, with di Grassi pulling straight in afterwards for his pitstop, while up front Grosjean came in 3 laps later and re-emerging in P8 just behind Nico Hülkenberg, who had dropped to 18th after a poor stop but impressed everyone with a fine recovery drive. Two laps later the other front runners dived in and order was restored, with the Frenchman reclaiming his lead from his team-mate.
Di Grassi looked to have done enough after his stop to get his race back on plan, but Pastor Maldonado had other ideas: the Venezuelan was slicing through the train formed behind the slower Brazilian and was soon by, but with the pair both running wide into different corners the pack behind were caught out: Alvaro Parente got loose and ran over the top of di Grassi's car, while Diego Nunes had nowhere to go but into the collision.
The inevitable safety car compacted the grid with a few laps remaining, but Grosjean had enough left to hold on for victory just ahead of Petrov and d'Ambrosio, with Filippi pushing hard behind for fourth place ahead of Maldonado, Edoardo Mortara, Giedo van der Garde and Kamui Kobayashi who will start from pole position on tomorrow's reversed grid. With Grosjean also picking up the fastest lap of the race his early lead in the championship is from his team-mate, 13 points to 8.
GP Update
Hans
First race of the new season:09-05
Romain Grosjean continued his domination of the weekend by winning the first race of the 2009 season from pole position in Barcelona. The Frenchman crossed the line two and a half seconds ahead of team-mate Vitaly Petrov in an impressive one-two result for the Campos team.
A great pole position on Friday was helped by a great start for Grosjean. The Renault Formula One test driver pulled away and was never headed during the race, which was broken up by a safety car period in the closing stages. The leader was not phased by this, however, and stretched out a comfortable lead immediately on the restart.
The Frenchman's race was set up at the start when he outdragged front row starter Lucas di Grassi to the first corner, with Petrov and d'Ambrosio also slipping inside the Brazilian as they set off after Grosjean. The teammates swapped fastest laps over the first half of the race, and while the Belgian could at least keep them in sight, di Grassi was struggling as he was soon under pressure from a hard charging Luca Filippi.
The Italian was finally through on lap 13, with di Grassi pulling straight in afterwards for his pitstop, while up front Grosjean came in 3 laps later and re-emerging in P8 just behind Nico Hülkenberg, who had dropped to 18th after a poor stop but impressed everyone with a fine recovery drive. Two laps later the other front runners dived in and order was restored, with the Frenchman reclaiming his lead from his team-mate.
Di Grassi looked to have done enough after his stop to get his race back on plan, but Pastor Maldonado had other ideas: the Venezuelan was slicing through the train formed behind the slower Brazilian and was soon by, but with the pair both running wide into different corners the pack behind were caught out: Alvaro Parente got loose and ran over the top of di Grassi's car, while Diego Nunes had nowhere to go but into the collision.
The inevitable safety car compacted the grid with a few laps remaining, but Grosjean had enough left to hold on for victory just ahead of Petrov and d'Ambrosio, with Filippi pushing hard behind for fourth place ahead of Maldonado, Edoardo Mortara, Giedo van der Garde and Kamui Kobayashi who will start from pole position on tomorrow's reversed grid. With Grosjean also picking up the fastest lap of the race his early lead in the championship is from his team-mate, 13 points to 8.
GP Update
Hans
Barcelona race one
Result race one
1 R. Grosjean Campos 1:02:22.709
2 V. Petrov Campos + 2.459
3 J. d`Ambrosio DAMS + 6.349
4 L. Filippi Super Nova International + 8.346
5 P. Maldonado ART Grand Prix + 8.741
6 E. Mortara Arden International + 12.529
7 G. van der Garde iSport International + 12.748
8 K. Kobayashi DAMS + 14.063
9 N. Hulkenberg ART Grand Prix + 14.260
10 J. Villa Super Nova International + 15.200
11 D. Nunes iSport International + 16.669
12 N. Panciatici Durango + 17.756
13 M. Herck DPR + 18.445
14 S. Perez Arden International + 18.595
15 A. Valerio Piquet GP + 64.629
16 L. Razia FMS International + 1 laps
17 D. Rigon Trident Racing + 1 laps
Did not finish
18 L. Di Grassi Racing Engineering + 7 laps
19 A. Parente Ocean Racing Technology + 7 laps
20 D. Clos Racing Engineering + 8 laps
21 K. Chandhok Ocean Racing Technology + 12 laps
22 R. Rodriguez Piquet GP + 14 laps
23 D. Valsecchi Durango + 23 laps
24 R. Teixeira Trident Racing + 28 laps
25 A. Zuber FMS International + 34 laps
26 G. Ricci DPR + 38 laps
GP Update
G vd Garde did a very good race started from place 18-finished on 7't spot!
Hans
Result race one
1 R. Grosjean Campos 1:02:22.709
2 V. Petrov Campos + 2.459
3 J. d`Ambrosio DAMS + 6.349
4 L. Filippi Super Nova International + 8.346
5 P. Maldonado ART Grand Prix + 8.741
6 E. Mortara Arden International + 12.529
7 G. van der Garde iSport International + 12.748
8 K. Kobayashi DAMS + 14.063
9 N. Hulkenberg ART Grand Prix + 14.260
10 J. Villa Super Nova International + 15.200
11 D. Nunes iSport International + 16.669
12 N. Panciatici Durango + 17.756
13 M. Herck DPR + 18.445
14 S. Perez Arden International + 18.595
15 A. Valerio Piquet GP + 64.629
16 L. Razia FMS International + 1 laps
17 D. Rigon Trident Racing + 1 laps
Did not finish
18 L. Di Grassi Racing Engineering + 7 laps
19 A. Parente Ocean Racing Technology + 7 laps
20 D. Clos Racing Engineering + 8 laps
21 K. Chandhok Ocean Racing Technology + 12 laps
22 R. Rodriguez Piquet GP + 14 laps
23 D. Valsecchi Durango + 23 laps
24 R. Teixeira Trident Racing + 28 laps
25 A. Zuber FMS International + 34 laps
26 G. Ricci DPR + 38 laps
GP Update
G vd Garde did a very good race started from place 18-finished on 7't spot!
Hans
Barcelona race two
Mortara wins sprint race in Spain
10 May 2009
Edoardo Mortara has scored his first win of the season at Circuit de Catalunya on Sunday morning. The Italian took the lead with a brilliant start and managed to keep the rest of the field behind him. Romain Grosjean finished second with Jerome d'Ambrosio finishing third.
The result was set up as the lights went out when Mortara made a blinding start to leaving poleman Kamui Kobayashi in his wake, with d'Ambrosio also following him through. Giedo van der Garde slotted in behind the pair out of turn one ahead of Grosjean, Kobayashi and Vitaly Petrov, with the latter giving way to a fast charging Luca Filippi into the final complex.
But it was Grosjean who was on a charge, disposing of van der Garde and d'Ambrosio in successive laps before latching onto the rear of the race leader and not letting go. The pair were streaking away from the field and it was obvious that the Frenchman was looking to add another victory to his one from yesterday, but Mortara was out to add to his own growing reputation.
The action wasn't restricted to the front though as Filippi could not shake Petrov all race, and the Russian soon had ART teammates Maldonado and Hülkenberg filling his rear mirrors. The Italian was clearly pushing hard, but with 3 laps remaining his tyres were completely shot, and he had nothing left to defend from the Venezuelan.
After a non-stop battle it was Mortara who held on for the win just ahead of Grosjean, with d'Ambrosio a further five seconds behind. Van der Garde and Kobayashi had the luxury of quiet races to add to their point scores, while Maldonado claimed the final point for sixth place. But if Mortara won the battle it was Grosjean who won the war, leaving the paddock with 18 points to hold a comfortable lead as we head to Monaco
GP Update
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Mortara wins sprint race in Spain
10 May 2009
Edoardo Mortara has scored his first win of the season at Circuit de Catalunya on Sunday morning. The Italian took the lead with a brilliant start and managed to keep the rest of the field behind him. Romain Grosjean finished second with Jerome d'Ambrosio finishing third.
The result was set up as the lights went out when Mortara made a blinding start to leaving poleman Kamui Kobayashi in his wake, with d'Ambrosio also following him through. Giedo van der Garde slotted in behind the pair out of turn one ahead of Grosjean, Kobayashi and Vitaly Petrov, with the latter giving way to a fast charging Luca Filippi into the final complex.
But it was Grosjean who was on a charge, disposing of van der Garde and d'Ambrosio in successive laps before latching onto the rear of the race leader and not letting go. The pair were streaking away from the field and it was obvious that the Frenchman was looking to add another victory to his one from yesterday, but Mortara was out to add to his own growing reputation.
The action wasn't restricted to the front though as Filippi could not shake Petrov all race, and the Russian soon had ART teammates Maldonado and Hülkenberg filling his rear mirrors. The Italian was clearly pushing hard, but with 3 laps remaining his tyres were completely shot, and he had nothing left to defend from the Venezuelan.
After a non-stop battle it was Mortara who held on for the win just ahead of Grosjean, with d'Ambrosio a further five seconds behind. Van der Garde and Kobayashi had the luxury of quiet races to add to their point scores, while Maldonado claimed the final point for sixth place. But if Mortara won the battle it was Grosjean who won the war, leaving the paddock with 18 points to hold a comfortable lead as we head to Monaco
GP Update
Hans
Results second race
1 E. Mortara Arden International 39:55.235
2 R. Grosjean Campos + 1.251
3 J. d`Ambrosio DAMS + 6.516
4 G. van der Garde iSport International + 14.638
5 K. Kobayashi DAMS + 17.170
6 P. Maldonado ART Grand Prix + 20.099
7 L. Filippi Super Nova International + 28.971
8 D. Nunes iSport International + 29.258
9 V. Petrov Campos + 29.433
10 L. Di Grassi Racing Engineering + 31.038
11 A. Parente Ocean Racing Technology + 32.026
12 L. Razia FMS International + 33.167
13 A. Valerio Piquet GP + 33.789
14 N. Hulkenberg ART Grand Prix + 34.278
15 G. Ricci DPR + 38.913
16 D. Valsecchi Durango + 40.811
17 S. Perez Arden International + 42.258
18 N. Panciatici Durango + 59.664
19 D. Clos Racing Engineering + 59.747
20 R. Teixeira Trident Racing + 1:00.052
21 D. Rigon Trident Racing + 1 laps
Did not finish
22 K. Chandhok Ocean Racing Technology + 5 laps
23 J. Villa Super Nova International + 9 laps
24 M. Herck DPR + 14 laps
25 A. Zuber FMS International + 17 laps
26 R. Rodriguez Piquet GP + 26 laps
GP Update
Hans
1 E. Mortara Arden International 39:55.235
2 R. Grosjean Campos + 1.251
3 J. d`Ambrosio DAMS + 6.516
4 G. van der Garde iSport International + 14.638
5 K. Kobayashi DAMS + 17.170
6 P. Maldonado ART Grand Prix + 20.099
7 L. Filippi Super Nova International + 28.971
8 D. Nunes iSport International + 29.258
9 V. Petrov Campos + 29.433
10 L. Di Grassi Racing Engineering + 31.038
11 A. Parente Ocean Racing Technology + 32.026
12 L. Razia FMS International + 33.167
13 A. Valerio Piquet GP + 33.789
14 N. Hulkenberg ART Grand Prix + 34.278
15 G. Ricci DPR + 38.913
16 D. Valsecchi Durango + 40.811
17 S. Perez Arden International + 42.258
18 N. Panciatici Durango + 59.664
19 D. Clos Racing Engineering + 59.747
20 R. Teixeira Trident Racing + 1:00.052
21 D. Rigon Trident Racing + 1 laps
Did not finish
22 K. Chandhok Ocean Racing Technology + 5 laps
23 J. Villa Super Nova International + 9 laps
24 M. Herck DPR + 14 laps
25 A. Zuber FMS International + 17 laps
26 R. Rodriguez Piquet GP + 26 laps
GP Update
Hans
Monaco
Next round 22-24 May Monaco
Hans
Next round 22-24 May Monaco
Hans
Monaco- May 21
Grosjean tops Monaco practice
21 May 2009
Romain Grosjean has finished fastest in Thursday's practice session in Monaco. The French driver, winner in the Barcelona season-opener a fortnight ago, finished at the top of the timesheets on the streets of the principality with di Grassi and Filippi second and third.
The Frenchman ran on a different schedule to most of his closest rivals to set a best lap time of 1:21.267, almost two tenths faster than his nearest rival who was changing tyres as Grosjean set a string of quick laps halfway through the session.
The session opened under clear blue skies, with Andreas Zuber and Alberto Valerio swapping fastest times early in the session, but it was Filippi who was soon sitting on top of the timesheets while Grosjean was caught out in heavy traffic at Rascasse, tapping the rear of an almost stationary Davide Valsecchi and prompting an early stop.
But it soon proved to be an inspired move: Grosjean, di Grassi and Filippi were soon swapping fastest laps, but it was the Frenchman who was able to take advantage when his rivals were forced to pit for fresh tyres.
In the closing minutes of the session it was clear that a challenge was going to be made to the top time, but when Valerio caught the wall just out of St Devote after passing Michael Herck the session was red flagged, and Grosjean's competitors were forced to wait until this afternoon's qualifying session to prove that they've got more in reserve.
1 R. Grosjean Campos 1:21.267 17
2 L. Di Grassi Racing Engineering 1:21.451 15
3 L. Filippi Super Nova International 1:22.159 14
4 V. Petrov Campos 1:22.223 13
5 P. Maldonado ART Grand Prix 1:22.233 16
6 A. Zuber FMS International 1:22.257 18
7 J. Villa Super Nova International 1:22.449 17
8 K. Chandhok Ocean Racing Technology 1:22.492 16
9 D. Clos Racing Engineering 1:22.748 13
10 A. Parente Ocean Racing Technology 1:22.831 15
11 J. d`Ambrosio DAMS 1:22.998 16
12 S. Perez Arden International 1:23.039 15
13 G. van der Garde iSport International 1:23.086 16
14 N. Hulkenberg ART Grand Prix 1:23.370 18
15 R. Rodriguez Piquet GP 1:23.484 16
16 E. Mortara Arden International 1:23.523 16
17 K. Kobayashi DAMS 1:23.744 17
18 D. Nunes iSport International 1:23.984 16
19 A. Valerio Piquet GP 1:24.078 15
20 D. Valsecchi Durango 1:24.133 15
21 L. Razia FMS International 1:24.344 18
22 G. Ricci DPR 1:25.861 18
23 N. Panciatici Durango 1:25.929 15
24 M. Herck DPR 1:26.106 19
25 D. Rigon Trident Racing 1:26.169 17
26 R. Teixeira Trident Racing 1:29.373 17
From:GP Update
Hans
Grosjean tops Monaco practice
21 May 2009
Romain Grosjean has finished fastest in Thursday's practice session in Monaco. The French driver, winner in the Barcelona season-opener a fortnight ago, finished at the top of the timesheets on the streets of the principality with di Grassi and Filippi second and third.
The Frenchman ran on a different schedule to most of his closest rivals to set a best lap time of 1:21.267, almost two tenths faster than his nearest rival who was changing tyres as Grosjean set a string of quick laps halfway through the session.
The session opened under clear blue skies, with Andreas Zuber and Alberto Valerio swapping fastest times early in the session, but it was Filippi who was soon sitting on top of the timesheets while Grosjean was caught out in heavy traffic at Rascasse, tapping the rear of an almost stationary Davide Valsecchi and prompting an early stop.
But it soon proved to be an inspired move: Grosjean, di Grassi and Filippi were soon swapping fastest laps, but it was the Frenchman who was able to take advantage when his rivals were forced to pit for fresh tyres.
In the closing minutes of the session it was clear that a challenge was going to be made to the top time, but when Valerio caught the wall just out of St Devote after passing Michael Herck the session was red flagged, and Grosjean's competitors were forced to wait until this afternoon's qualifying session to prove that they've got more in reserve.
1 R. Grosjean Campos 1:21.267 17
2 L. Di Grassi Racing Engineering 1:21.451 15
3 L. Filippi Super Nova International 1:22.159 14
4 V. Petrov Campos 1:22.223 13
5 P. Maldonado ART Grand Prix 1:22.233 16
6 A. Zuber FMS International 1:22.257 18
7 J. Villa Super Nova International 1:22.449 17
8 K. Chandhok Ocean Racing Technology 1:22.492 16
9 D. Clos Racing Engineering 1:22.748 13
10 A. Parente Ocean Racing Technology 1:22.831 15
11 J. d`Ambrosio DAMS 1:22.998 16
12 S. Perez Arden International 1:23.039 15
13 G. van der Garde iSport International 1:23.086 16
14 N. Hulkenberg ART Grand Prix 1:23.370 18
15 R. Rodriguez Piquet GP 1:23.484 16
16 E. Mortara Arden International 1:23.523 16
17 K. Kobayashi DAMS 1:23.744 17
18 D. Nunes iSport International 1:23.984 16
19 A. Valerio Piquet GP 1:24.078 15
20 D. Valsecchi Durango 1:24.133 15
21 L. Razia FMS International 1:24.344 18
22 G. Ricci DPR 1:25.861 18
23 N. Panciatici Durango 1:25.929 15
24 M. Herck DPR 1:26.106 19
25 D. Rigon Trident Racing 1:26.169 17
26 R. Teixeira Trident Racing 1:29.373 17
From:GP Update
Hans
- Status
