Fabio Leimer Secures Commanding GP2 Bahrain Pole
Fabio Leimer has obliterated the opposition on his way to pole position for the GP2 Bahrain feature race, in a qualifying session which saw the Swiss driver utterly out-shine the entire GP2 field. The Racing Engineering driver will start tomorrow’s race alongside the DAMS of Marcus Ericsson, with a second row consisting of Felipe Nasr and Stefano Coletti.
The qualifying session began in exactly the same way as the morning’s practice session, with Simon Trummer leading out a long queue of awaiting drivers all eager to battle for pole position. The Rapax driver set the initial benchmark at the front with a 01:40.892, before his Italian team-mate of Stefano Coletti bettered his time with a 01:40.841. The benchmark at the front continued to improve, as Series rookie Alexander Rossi and then Marcus Ericsson rose to the top with the latter setting a 01:40.420.
After absolutely dominating the practice session earlier in the day, it was no surprise when the Racing Engineering of Fabio Leimer once again out-shined the opposition with a 01:40.044. The track action around the Bahrain International Circuit quietened down after the initial running from the field, as many of the drivers returned to the pits for new tyres. Simon Trummer tried desperately hard to improve upon his time, however the 23-year-old ran extensively wide through the final corner and skipped through the gravel trap. Luckily he managed to avoid the retaining tyre barrier and continue circulating, however his timed lap was utterly destroyed.
Reigning GP3 Series Champion Mitch Evans saw his qualifying session brought to a premature conclusion, as the Arden International driver ground to a halt with a suspected gearbox issue plaguing his machine. Whilst many drivers continued to circulate the circuit in a bid to improve upon their times, Fabio Leimer absolutely destroyed the opposition with one of the most dominant laps in the history of the Series with a 01:39.427. This time obliterated the previous GP2 lap record set by Luca Filippi in 2007, and secured Fabio Leimer his second pole position in GP2.
James Calado will incur a ten-place grid penalty for tomorrow’s feature race, after the Briton’s collision at the start of the Malaysian Grand Prix sprint race last time out. This will see the ART Grand Prix driver start the feature race from 21st position, in what has all of the ingredients to be another thrilling spectacle in the Bahraini desert. However, should Fabio Leimer display further uncatchable pace at the front, he will be but a speck in the distance to the remainder of the GP2 grid.
Pos Driver Team Time Gap 1. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering 1m41.361s 2. Sam Bird Russian Time 1m42.421s + 1.060s 3. Stefano Coletti Rapax 1m42.628s + 1.267s 4. Alexander Rossi Caterham 1m42.636s + 1.275s 5. Marcus Ericsson DAMS 1m42.666s + 1.305s 6. Felipe Nasr Carlin 1m42.687s + 1.326s 7. James Calado ART 1m42.718s + 1.357s 8. Tom Dillmann Russian Time 1m42.734s + 1.373s 9. Johnny Cecotto Arden 1m42.803s + 1.442s 10. Daniel Abt ART 1m42.943s + 1.582s 11. Stephane Richelmi DAMS 1m43.035s + 1.674s 12. Simon Trummer Rapax 1m43.054s + 1.693s 13. Mitch Evans Arden 1m43.063s + 1.702s 14. Sergio Canamasas Caterham 1m43.092s + 1.731s 15. Julian Leal Racing Engineering 1m43.156s + 1.795s 16. Jolyon Palmer Carlin 1m43.188s + 1.827s 17. Kevin Ceccon Trident 1m43.271s + 1.910s 18. Kevin Giovesi Lazarus 1m43.280s + 1.919s 19. Jake Rosenzweig Addax 1m43.310s + 1.949s 20. Rio Haryanto Addax 1m43.356s + 1.995s 21. Rene Binder Lazarus 1m43.620s + 2.259s 22. Nathanael Berthon Trident 1m43.670s + 2.309s 23. Robin Frijns Hilmer 1m43.875s + 2.514s 24. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs MP 1m44.002s + 2.641s 25. Daniel de Jong MP 1m44.200s + 2.839s 26. Pal Varhaug Hilmer 1m44.915s + 3.554s
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
James Calado Ends GP2 Jerez Test Fastest
James Calado ended the final day of the GP2 Jerez test fastest overall for ART Grand Prix, in a day which began with damp track conditions. The British driver set the fastest time in the afternoon period, whereas fellow countryman Adrian Quaife-Hobbs reigned supreme during the morning session.
Unlike the previous two days, the third and final day of the test dawned in damp conditions after overnight rainfall. This forced the majority of the drivers to initially take to the Spanish circuit on the wet weather tyre, despite the sun making a welcome appearance soon after. Johnny Cecotto jr. set the initial pace for Arden International, however as the track dried out the times quickly began to tumble.
Despite the tricky track conditions to begin with the morning session ran relatively incident-free, until Johnny Cecotto jr. stopped out on track. Stephane Richelmi continued to impress for DAMS, as the Monegasque driver rose to the top before his Swedish team-mate, Marcus Ericsson, did likewise.
Adrian Quaife-Hobbs was fastest in the morning period, despite the damp start.
Another brief red flag delay was caused as the morning session drew to a conclusion, after the Carlin of Jolyon Palmer stopped out on track. Once track action had recommenced, Adrian Quaife-Hobbs shot to the top for newcomers MP Motorsport with a 01:26.442, eventually ending the session fastest ahead of Stephane Richelmi in 2nd and Marcus Ericsson in 3rd.
By the time the afternoon session began the track had finally dried out, therefore allowing the drivers to carry out race simulations and pit-stop practices. James Calado took control of proceedings early on in the session with a 01:24.659, a time which allowed the 23-year-old the remain at the top for the remainder of the session. Another red flag delay was caused only moments before the end of the session when the Arden of Mitch Evans stopped on track. Calado was eventually followed by Simon Trummer in 2nd and Fabio Leimer in 3rd.
The GP2 fraternity will reconvene in several days time for the second and final pre-season test at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, which is scheduled to begin on March 5th for a further three days. Once completed, the teams’ and drivers’ will proceed to Malaysia for the opening round of the new season.
Morning times: Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs MP 1m26.442s 28 2. Stephane Richelmi DAMS 1m26.884s + 0.442s 21 3. Marcus Ericsson DAMS 1m26.904s + 0.462s 22 4. Daniel de Jong MP 1m27.025s + 0.583s 32 5. Felipe Nasr Carlin 1m27.121s + 0.679s 17 6. Robin Frijns Trident 1m27.156s + 0.714s 12 7. Simon Trummer Rapax 1m27.208s + 0.766s 24 8. Stefano Coletti Rapax 1m27.239s + 0.797s 6 9. Nathanael Berthon Trident 1m27.514s + 1.072s 10 10. Mitch Evans Arden 1m27.560s + 1.118s 18 11. Kevin Giovesi Lazarus 1m27.846s + 1.404s 16 12. Jolyon Palmer Carlin 1m28.299s + 1.857s 25 13. Johnny Cecotto Arden 1m28.379s + 1.937s 21 14. Jake Rosenzweig Addax 1m28.489s + 2.047s 15 15. Rene Binder Lazarus 1m29.147s + 2.705s 13 16. Rio Haryanto Addax 1m29.303s + 2.861s 23 17. Sergio Canamasas Caterham 1m29.303s + 2.861s 23 18. Ma Qing Hua Caterham 1m30.372s + 3.930s 23 19. James Calado ART 1m48.064s + 21.622s 12 20. Daniel Abt ART 1m56.592s + 30.150s 12 21. Tom Dillmann Hilmer 1 22. Julian Leal Racing Engineering 6 23. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering 1 Afternoon times: Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. James Calado ART 1m24.659s 54 2. Simon Trummer Rapax 1m25.045s + 0.386s 26 3. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering 1m25.133s + 0.474s 27 4. Stefano Coletti Rapax 1m25.138s + 0.479s 35 5. Stephane Richelmi DAMS 1m25.148s + 0.489s 38 6. Marcus Ericsson DAMS 1m25.269s + 0.610s 39 7. Jolyon Palmer Carlin 1m25.276s + 0.617s 38 8. Mitch Evans Arden 1m25.309s + 0.650s 41 9. Julian Leal Racing Engineering 1m25.318s + 0.659s 44 10. Kevin Giovesi Lazarus 1m25.497s + 0.838s 40 11. Robin Frijns Trident 1m25.572s + 0.913s 23 12. Daniel Abt ART 1m25.695s + 1.036s 56 13. Johnny Cecotto Arden 1m25.829s + 1.170s 37 14. Sergio Canamasas Caterham 1m25.833s + 1.174s 47 15. Rene Binder Lazarus 1m25.862s + 1.203s 17 16. Felipe Nasr Carlin 1m25.883s + 1.224s 33 17. Ma Qing Hua Caterham 1m25.896s + 1.237s 43 18. Daniel de Jong MP 1m25.959s + 1.300s 31 19. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs MP 1m26.031s + 1.372s 39 20. Nathanael Berthon Trident 1m26.049s + 1.390s 21 21. Jake Rosenzweig Addax 1m26.133s + 1.474s 43 22. Rio Haryanto Addax 1m26.767s + 2.108s 38
Picture(s) Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Tom Dillmann Remains Fastest At GP2 Jerez Test
Tom Dillmann has continued to top the timing sheets at Jerez, during the second day of GP2 testing at the Spanish circuit. The Frenchman, driving for rookie outfit Hilmer Motorsport, ended the morning session fastest overall, whereas Monaco’s Stephane Richelmi managed to set the fastest time in the afternoon period.
In similar circumstances to the opening day, the second day of track action at Jerez dawned in clear yet chilly weather conditions. British driver James Calado set the initial pace for ART Grand Prix, before the Carlin of Felipe Nasr rose to the top with the first time in the 01:25s. The session was brought to a brief halt early on as the DAMS of Marcus Ericsson spun into the gravel at Turn 10, becoming the first of many to make an error in the morning period.
Although the session was quickly resumed, Nathaniel Berthon brought proceedings to another brief delay after the Trident Racing driver spun and stopped out on track. No sooner had the session been resumed when Felipe Nasr made an error through Turn 3. Tom Dillmann became the next driver to assert his authority over proceedings, before an incident between Daniel Abt and Adrian Quaife-Hobbs brought proceedings to yet another momentary delay.
The remainder of the morning session ran relatively incident-free thereafter, as James Calado momentarily rose to the top before Tom Dillmann returned his Hilmer Motorsport machine to the top of the timing sheets. The Frenchman’s time of a 01:24.400 remained unchallenged as the incident-filled morning period drew to a conclusion, with Dillmann being followed by Stefano Coletti in 2nd and James Calado in 3rd.
Stephane Richelmi was fastest in the afternoon period for DAMS.
During the two hour lunch break the temperature at Jerez dipped slightly, as grey clouds began to gather above the circuit. After setting the fastest time in the morning session, Tom Dillmann continued his competitiveness at the front by setting an early benchmark. In stark contrast to the morning period, the afternoon session ran relatively incident-free, as the majority of the order centralized their running around long race simulations.
With only one hour remaining on the clock, Monegasque driver Stephane Richelmi stormed to the top with a 01:24.604. Despite this time being several tenths off of Tom Dillmann’s quickest time set in the morning period, Richelmi remained fastest as the day drew to a conclusion. Stefano Coletti caused a brief red flag delay in the final minutes of the day after the Italian driver ran slightly wide at Turn 1. Stephane Richelmi, however, remained on top as the checkered flag was brought out. The DAMS driver was followed at the top by Tom Dillmann and Johnny Cecotto jr. The third and final day of the GP2 Jerez test is scheduled to begin at 9am local time tomorrow morning.
Morning session: Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Tom Dillmann Hilmer 1m24.400s 19 2. Stefano Coletti Rapax 1m24.418s + 0.018s 26 3. James Calado ART 1m24.525s + 0.125s 33 4. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering 1m24.534s + 0.134s 28 5. Felipe Nasr Carlin 1m24.691s + 0.291s 25 6. Marcus Ericsson DAMS 1m24.712s + 0.312s 23 7. Stephane Richelmi DAMS 1m24.776s + 0.376s 34 8. Sergio Canamasas Caterham 1m24.963s + 0.563s 33 9. Kevin Giovesi Lazarus 1m24.967s + 0.567s 23 10. Rene Binder Lazarus 1m24.976s + 0.576s 24 11. Simon Trummer Rapax 1m25.023s + 0.623s 19 12. Nathanael Berthon Trident 1m25.059s + 0.659s 18 13. Jake Rosenzweig Addax 1m25.243s + 0.843s 27 14. Mitch Evans Arden 1m25.258s + 0.858s 27 15. Jolyon Palmer Carlin 1m25.310s + 0.910s 31 16. Robin Frijns Trident 1m25.345s + 0.945s 25 17. Pal Varhaug Hilmer 1m25.402s + 1.002s 28 18. Julian Leal Racing Engineering 1m25.486s + 1.086s 32 19. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs MP 1m25.604s + 1.204s 28 20. Johnny Cecotto Arden 1m25.607s + 1.207s 28 21. Ma Qing Hua Caterham 1m25.800s + 1.400s 26 22. Daniel de Jong MP 1m25.858s + 1.458s 25 23. Daniel Abt ART 1m25.893s + 1.493s 8 24. Rio Haryanto Addax 1m26.610s + 2.210s 30 Afternoon session: Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Stephane Richelmi DAMS 1m24.604s 37 2. Tom Dillmann Hilmer 1m24.932s + 0.328s 18 3. Johnny Cecotto Arden 1m25.292s + 0.688s 22 4. Daniel Abt ART 1m25.312s + 0.708s 30 5. Robin Frijns Trident 1m25.335s + 0.731s 22 6. Marcus Ericsson DAMS 1m25.388s + 0.784s 32 7. Pal Varhaug Hilmer 1m25.391s + 0.787s 42 8. Sergio Canamasas Caterham 1m25.618s + 1.014s 31 9. Jake Rosenzweig Addax 1m25.677s + 1.073s 33 10. Simon Trummer Rapax 1m25.685s + 1.081s 49 11. Nathanael Berthon Trident 1m25.725s + 1.121s 16 12. Kevin Giovesi Lazarus 1m25.920s + 1.316s 33 13. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs MP 1m25.925s + 1.321s 18 14. Stefano Coletti Rapax 1m26.022s + 1.418s 29 15. Ma Qing Hua Caterham 1m26.096s + 1.492s 37 16. James Calado ART 1m26.116s + 1.512s 21 17. Mitch Evans Arden 1m26.374s + 1.770s 38 18. Rio Haryanto Addax 1m26.462s + 1.858s 41 19. Daniel de Jong MP 1m27.075s + 2.471s 22 20. Rene Binder Lazarus 1m28.039s + 3.435s 29 21. Julian Leal Racing Engineering 1m28.793s + 4.189s 43 22. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering 1m29.189s + 4.585s 38 23. Jolyon Palmer Carlin 1m29.596s + 4.992s 27 24. Felipe Nasr Carlin 1m29.749s + 5.145s 33
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Tom Dillmann Fastest After Opening Day Of Jerez GP2 Test
Tom Dillmann has ended the opening day of the Jerez GP2 test fastest overall, after a productive first day for newcomers Hilmer Motorsport. The Frenchman set the time in the afternoon period, whereas Britain’s Jolyon Palmer set the pace in the morning session for Carlin.
The opening day of the test began in cold yet clear conditions at the Jerez circuit, as the majority of the drivers immediately took to the track to carry out their respective installation laps. Once the track temperature had improved, Venezuela GP Lazarus’s Rene Binder became the first driver to set a timed lap. The first red flag delay of the day followed, by returning Norwegian driver Pau Varhaug who spun and stopped on the track. Once the session was resumed, Tom Dillmann proceeded to set the pace before the Arden of Johnny Cecotto jr. rose to the top.
Sweden’s Marcus Ericsson set the pace for DAMS as the morning session progressed, before a second red flag delay was caused when Sergio Canamasas spun into the barrier at Turn 4. The session was quickly resumed, however, allowing the Carlin of Jolyon Palmer to assert his authority over proceedings with a 01:25.330. A third red flag delay only three minutes before the end of the session caused by reigning GP3 Champion Mitch Evans saw the morning session end under red flag conditions, thus allowing Jolyon Palmer to remain in command at the top ahead of Marcus Ericsson and Rene Binder.
After the two hour lunch break, Swiss driver Fabio Leimer set the benchmark for Racing Engineering, whilst the majority of the field elected to run race simulations. However, Monegasque driver Stephane Richelmi rose to the top for DAMS as the time at the top continued to tumble throughout the afternoon session. James Calado momentarily set the fastest time for ART Grand Prix, before Fabio Leimer returned to the top. Another red flag delay was caused by Daniel de Jong for newcomers MP Motorsport, which saw the Dutchman stop on the track at Turn 7.
With only 20 minutes remaining in the session, Tom Dillmann shot to the top with a 01:25.059, just under three tenths faster than the benchmark from the morning period set by the Carlin of Jolyon Palmer. Tom Dillmann remained fastest as the opening day drew to a close, with Fabio Leimer and Felipe Nasr rounding out the top three. The GP2 fraternity will return tomorrow for the second day of the Jerez test, with proceedings set to get underway at 9am local time.
Morning times: Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Jolyon Palmer Carlin 1m25.330s 19 2. Marcus Ericsson DAMS 1m25.426s + 0.096s 11 3. Rene Binder Lazarus 1m25.541s + 0.211s 23 4. Johnny Cecotto Arden 1m25.574s + 0.244s 20 5. Stephane Richelmi DAMS 1m25.574s + 0.244s 15 6. Jake Rosenzweig Addax 1m25.842s + 0.512s 25 7. James Calado ART 1m25.911s + 0.581s 18 8. Tom Dillmann Hilmer 1m25.922s + 0.592s 12 9. Simon Trummer Rapax 1m25.998s + 0.668s 17 10. Felipe Nasr Carlin 1m26.019s + 0.689s 22 11. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering 1m26.066s + 0.736s 8 12. Mitch Evans Arden 1m26.070s + 0.740s 14 13. Julian Leal Racing Engineering 1m26.209s + 0.879s 17 14. Kevin Giovesi Lazarus 1m26.244s + 0.914s 16 15. Rio Haryanto Addax 1m26.398s + 1.068s 20 16. Robin Frijns Trident 1m26.438s + 1.108s 17 17. Daniel de Jong MP 1m26.443s + 1.113s 9 18. Daniel Abt ART 1m26.565s + 1.235s 15 19. Nathanael Berthon Trident 1m26.732s + 1.402s 15 20. Ma Qing Hua Caterham 1m26.990s + 1.660s 11 21. Pal Varhaug Hilmer 1m27.926s + 2.596s 17 22. Sergio Canamasas Caterham 1m31.642s + 6.312s 5 23. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs MP - 1 24. Stefano Coletti Rapax - 1 Afternoon times: Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Tom Dillmann Hilmer 1m25.059 23 2. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering 1m25.248 + 0.189s 27 3. Felipe Nasr Carlin 1m25.262 + 0.203s 34 4. James Calado ART 1m25.403 + 0.344s 31 5. Rene Binder Lazarus 1m25.405 + 0.346s 16 6. Marcus Ericsson DAMS 1m25.480 + 0.421s 33 7. Daniel de Jong MP 1m25.506 + 0.447s 30 8. Stephane Richelmi DAMS 1m25.585 + 0.526s 28 9. Robin Frijns Trident 1m25.602 + 0.543s 24 10. Johnny Cecotto Arden 1m25.656 + 0.597s 29 11. Simon Trummer Rapax 1m25.718 + 0.659s 40 12. Kevin Giovesi Lazarus 1m25.819 + 0.760s 35 13. Daniel Abt ART 1m25.933 + 0.874s 34 14. Mitch Evans Arden 1m26.116 + 1.057s 32 15. Stefano Coletti Rapax 1m26.200 + 1.141s 31 16. Julian Leal Racing Engineering 1m26.222 + 1.163s 33 17. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs MP 1m26.405 + 1.346s 39 18. Sergio Canamasas Caterham 1m26.610 + 1.551s 22 19. Nathanael Berthon Trident 1m26.682 + 1.623s 25 20. Jolyon Palmer Carlin 1m27.005 + 1.946s 23 21. Pal Varhaug Hilmer 1m27.595 + 2.536s 22 22. Rio Haryanto Addax 1m27.855 + 2.796s 23 23. Ma Qing Hua Caterham 1m28.002 + 2.943s 31 24. Jake Rosenzweig Addax 1m29.492 + 4.433s 25
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Mitch Evans Q&A
After securing the 2012 GP3 Drivers’ Championship, New Zealand sensation Mitch Evans is now preparing to make his debut in the extremely intense and competitive GP2 Series. With the Formula 1 grid consisting many former GP2 and GP3 drivers, Mitch Evans is understandably eager to impress during his debut season in the Series.
During his second season in GP3 last year, Mitch Evans showed a tremendous amount of skill and maturity in storming to Championship supremacy with MW Arden, clinching three victories and six podiums along the way. Once the season had drawn to a frenetic conclusion, Evans tested for both DAMS and Arden International in the GP2 post-season tests at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya and Jerez.
Naturally the 18-year-old Kiwi impressed during the two tests, and was eventually snapped up by Arden International to partner Venezuelan driver Johnny Cecotto jr. in the forthcoming season. To quench his thirst for racing during the European winter period, Evans returned home to once again compete in the Toyota Racing Series NZ. As he prepares for the pre-season tests and the season opening event at Sepang later next month, I once again caught up with Mitch Evans to discuss the season ahead.
Mitch Evans tested for both DAMS and Arden International during the GP2 post-season tests.
Q: Many thanks for taking the time to answer my questions, Mitch. You enjoyed an extremely competitive 2012 season with MW Arden in GP3, what are your ambitions for your debut season in GP2?
Mitch Evans: I always have high ambitions in anything I compete in. My main goal is to have a strong rookie season, it is going to be tough as a lot of drivers have completed a few years in GP2 and have gained a lot of experience from that so that will be hard to overcome but all I can do is my best.
Q: The Series will visit several venues which were not included during GP3 last season, such as Malaysia, Bahrain and Singapore. Which new circuit are you most looking forward to visiting this season?
ME: Yes that is right, I’m looking forward to all the new tracks, none stand out from another because they are all world class tracks that I hugely appreciate, and all have their own flow which makes them unique.
Q: You returned to the Toyota Racing Series NZ earlier this year for several races, winning two races at Hampton Downs. How do the New Zealand circuits compare to the European circuits and do you ever think Formula 1 could visit your home nation?
ME: The tracks are completely different, back home they are very tight, narrow and short compared to the European circuits. So when I did come over to Europe it did take a while to get used to because it changes a lot about racing. It would be a dream if New Zealand did make it on the Formula 1 Calendar, but financially it will be very difficult for the country at the moment.
Q: For 2013 you will be partnered at Arden by Johnny Cecotto jr., a two-time winner in the Series. How do you think the two of you will work together as team-mates and have you had a chance to catch up with him over the winter break?
ME: I have not met Johnny yet, I hear from the team that he is a good guy which is positive to hear and he was obviously very fast in the Jerez test last year so he’s going to be a good benchmark for me and he also has a lot of experience which I think will be massively beneficial for my rookie season.
Q: Last season Luiz Razia battled for the Championship with Davide Valsecchi, eventually loosing out to the Italian yet still progressing to Formula 1. Is there any pressure upon your shoulders to produce results reminiscent of Razia this season?
ME: Of course, because the car is obviously capable of battling for the Championship, but also Luiz had a lot of experience in GP2 so that is going to help. For me to be battling for the Championship in my rookie season is going to be a hard ask but I’m going to be doing everything I can to give myself the best shot.
Q: After racing for MW Arden, a team co-owned by Red Bull driver Mark Webber and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, could we expect to see you in either a Toro Rosso or even a Red Bull in the future?
ME: Who knows, that would be amazing. It all depends on my results over the next year or two and that is down to me.
Many thanks to Arden International and Mitch Evans for the communication and time taken to complete this interview.
Picture(s) Copyright © Malcolm Griffiths/GP2 Series Media Service
Marcus Ericsson Q&A
As the 2013 GP2 Series season draws ever closer, the grid is slowly but surely beginning to fill as both new and returning teams’ and drivers’ are confirmed up and down the order. One driver who has landed himself a decent drive for the forthcoming season is 22-year-old Swedish driver Marcus Ericsson.
Marcus Ericsson is preparing to start his fourth season in GP2, and has completed a switch from iSport International to reigning Constructors’ Champions DAMS. The Swede will be joined at the French outfit by Stephane Richelmi, as they both aim continue DAMS competitiveness at the top.
Ericsson has two victories to his name already in the category, and is understandably aiming to add to his tally this season. With pre-season testing only several weeks away, I caught up with Marcus Ericsson as we look ahead to what promises to be another exciting year of GP2 action.
Q: First of all Marcus, many thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Last season you secured one victory and five podiums with iSport, do you expect to emulate those results with DAMS in 2013?
Marcus Ericsson: Last year was quite a difficult year for me. The season started really bad and we had to work hard to turn things around. But the hard work paid off and I think my end of the season shows what I’m capable of [Ericsson scored the most points out of anyone in the last six races]. Now after signing with DAMS I feel confident that if we work hard we should be able to fight for the Championship.
Q: Seeing as Davide Valsecchi won the Championship with DAMS last season, you are already regarded as a Championship contender for 2013. Do you feel added pressure because of this, or are you looking forward to the start of the new season?
ME: Of course there is a bit of added pressure since they have won the Championship the two previous years. But for me thats not a problem. I see this year as a great opportunity to show everyone what I’m capable of doing.
Q: In 2009 you tested for F1 team Brawn GP at Jerez. Is it still you intention to become Sweden’s 11th Formula 1 driver in the future, and the first to start a race since Stefan Johansson in 1991?
ME: I think everyone competing in GP2 aims to take the step up to F1, and so do I! But for me its very important to always focus on the nearest future, and that is GP2 [in] 2013. If I have a great year then we will have to see what opportunity there is for 2014.
Marcus Ericsson testing for DAMS at Jerez in November.
Q: You tested for five different teams during GP2’s post-season test sessions last season. Was it your intention to leave iSport for another team, or were you merely keeping your options open with the five teams in question?
ME: To be fair, after last season I had no idea what I would be doing 2013. I hoped that I would stay in GP2 but it’s difficult times. The reason that I tested so much for different teams was that I wanted to keep myself sharp, and of course also try potential teams for 2013. And I think that you learn a lot from testing different cars and teams. But after my DAMS test in Jerez there was no doubts on where I wanted to be [for 2013]. I’m really happy that we managed to get a deal together!
Q: And lastly, the 2013 season finale will this year take place around Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina circuit. Do you think GP2 should support Formula 1 at more distant venues in the coming future, such as Australia, Japan and Brazil, making GP2 a World Series?
ME: I think it would be amazing if GP2 could follow the whole F1 calendar. But as always in motorsport its a question of money. Already now the GP2 budgets are high, and if GP2 add even more oversea races it would become just too expensive I’m afraid.
Many thanks to DAMS and Marcus Ericsson for the communication and time taken to complete this interview.
Picture(s) Copyright © Daniel Kalisz & Malcolm Griffiths/GP2 Series Media Service
Johnny Cecotto jr. Completes Move To Arden International For 2013
Venezuelan GP2 driver Johnny Cecotto jr. has switched to Arden International for the 2013 GP2 Series season, which will be the 23 year-old’s fifth season in the support category. Cecotto jr. enjoyed his most competitive season last year with Barwa Addax, securing two victories and four podium finishes including a victory at Monte-Carlo.
Johnny Cecotto jr.’s successful 2012 campaign ended with another Formula 1 test drive at the Abu Dhabi Young Driver Test, this time at Toro Rosso alongside former Arden International GP2 driver and Championship contender Luiz Razia. Cecotto jr. tested for Arden International during the post-season test at Jerez in Spain, as well as also testing for Barwa Addax and Carlin. After Arden enjoyed a sensationally competitive 2012 season with Luiz Razia almost clinching the Drivers’ Championship, Johnny Cecotto jr. is understandably targeting similar successes in the coming season.
“I’m delighted to have signed for Arden Motorsport.” Enthused Johnny Cecotto jr., “It’s one of the best teams in current motorsport with a great history too. We had the possibility to get to know each other in a test and straight away there was a great feeling between the engineers, mechanics and me. I feel it was the right moment to sign so that we have plenty of time to prepare for the Championship well and I can also prepare mentally and physically for the 2013 GP2 Series. The target is definitely to win the Championship and I’m sure that both the team and I have the potential to do so.”
It is as of yet unknown who the Venezuelan’s team-mate at Arden International will be for 2013, however strong speculation is linking reigning GP3 Champion Mitch Evans to the vacancy, largely due to his connections within the team. The Kiwi dominated proceedings during 2012 with the Mark Webber-backed Arden GP3 outfit, and has already tested for both Arden and DAMS in GP2.
Picture Copyright © Malcolm Griffiths/GP2 Series Media Service
Marcus Ericsson & Stephane Richelmi Join DAMS For 2013
Reigning GP2 Constructors’ Champions DAMS have signed Marcus Ericsson and Stephane Richelmi for the 2013 season, as the French outfit aims to capitalize on their maiden Constructors’ Championship next season. Swedish driver Marcus Ericsson has won two races throughout his career, whereas Stephane Richelmi has yet win in GP2.
After an extremely dominant 2012 season for DAMS, which saw Davide Valsecchi clinch the Drivers’ Championship with four victories along the way, the French outfit will be hoping that their two new drivers can replicate such successes in 2013. Marcus Ericsson’s GP2 career began in 2010 with Super Nova Racing, a season which saw him take his first victory in the series at Valencia. For 2011, the Swede moved to iSport International and only managed to secure two podium finishes before clinching his second GP2 career victory in 2012 at Spa-Francorchamps.
For the two post-season GP2 tests at Barcelona and Jerez, Marcus Ericsson tested with numerous teams on the GP2 grid including Trident Racing, DAMS and Coloni. During his day testing with DAMS, the Swede managed to set the fastest time of the day at Jerez, convincing the French outfit to sign him for the 2013 season. The 22-year-old aims to fight at the sharp-end of the order next season, in his quest for further victories.
“I’m extremely proud to get the opportunity to drive for the DAMS team.” Explained Marcus Ericsson, “Their results over the last couple of years say it all. After testing successfully together in the Jerez post-season tests, there were no doubts as to where I wanted to be in 2013. The preparations for next year have already started and I feel ready to fight at the front of the Championship together with DAMS.”
Stephane Richelmi will team-mate Marcus Ericsson next season at DAMS.
Marcus Ericsson’s new team-mate for 2013, Monegasque driver Stephane Richelmi, has yet to secure his maiden victory in the GP2 Series. So far his best finish was 3rd at the 2012 German Grand Prix, however with 2012 being the Monegasque’s first full season in the series, his maiden victory is surely just around the corner with DAMS. Stephane Richelmi also tested with numerous teams during post-season testing, including Lotus GP, Trident Racing and DAMS. The Monegasque driver aims to assist DAMS in securing another Constructors’ title in 2013, whilst also aiming for his maiden victory in the series.
“Of course, I’m very happy and very proud to be a part of the DAMS family!” Enthused Stephane Richelmi, “After a fairly difficult 2012 season I was determined to have a good winter test session to join a top team and improve in 2013. Thus, I drove for Lotus GP for one day, then with Trident, and finally with DAMS. I soon chose the reigning teams’ title holder. The way the engineers work really impressed me; the team’s level of professionalism is faultless and the very pleasant ambience makes you feel at home straight away. I hope to fight at the front next year while helping DAMS to clinch another teams’ title.”
As the 2013 GP2 grid slowly fills up, it is quickly becoming clear that the 2013 season will be yet another highly competitive and entertaining affair, with the likes of Marcus Ericsson and Stephane Richelmi battling at the top with other worthy title contenders’ such as James Calado and Stefano Coletti. Both Ericsson and Richelmi with be unquestionably striving to secure another Championship for DAMS, in their continued quest to rise to the top of the motor sport echelon.
Picture(s) Copyright © Malcolm Griffiths/GP2 Series Media Service
Jolyon Palmer Switches To Carlin For 2013
Jolyon Palmer has joined Carlin for the 2013 GP2 Series season, and will team-mate rising Brazilian ace Felipe Nasr at the British outfit. Jolyon Palmer picked up his first GP2 victory throughout the 2012 season with iSport International, and is targeting the Championship crown next season.
After finishing as runner-up in the 2010 Formula Two season, Jolyon Palmer made the switch to GP2 with Arden International. Despite a rather mediocre debut season in the series, which saw the Briton finish no higher than 9th, Palmer was able to progress to a drive in 2012 with former Champions iSport International. This led to the 21-year-old’s maiden GP2 victory at Monaco, and has instilled confidence within Palmer that Championship glory is possible next season.
“I’m very happy to be racing for Carlin in 2013.” Explained Jolyon Palmer, “The team showed good pace this year in their second season in GP2 and they are hungry to build on that next year. My aim is to be fighting for the Championship and I’m confident we are in a position to do that.”
Jolyon Palmer’s team-mate for the 2013 season will be Brazilian driver Felipe Nasr, who impressed greatly during his first season with DAMS alongside eventual Champion Davide Valsecchi. Both drivers are aiming for the Championship crown in 2013, and Carlin’s Racing Director Trevor Carlin is hopeful of a competitive season.
“Jolyon is a very promising young British driver and we’re delighted to be able to welcome him into our GP2 team.” Enthused Trevor Carlin, “He put in some fantastic performances last season and I believe he will be a regular race winner and title contender next year. With Jolyon and Felipe we have an exceptionally talented team, and preparations are already underway for a strong start to the 2013 season.”
Both Jolyon Palmer and Felipe Nasr will have strong competition for Championship supremacy next season, with the likes of James Calado and Marcus Ericsson, amongst others, with their sights firmly set on the Championship crown. Whoever comes out on top next year, the 2013 season already has all of the ingredients to be yet another sensational chapter in the sport’s history.
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Felipe Nasr Joins Carlin For 2013 GP2 Season
Brazilian GP2 driver Felipe Nasr has joined Carlin for the 2013 season, a team which the 20-year-old won the British F3 Championship with in 2011. During his debut season in the series, Nasr stormed to four podium finishes with DAMS alongside eventual Championship winner Davide Valsecchi.
Once the season had come to a conclusion, Felipe Nasr switched to Carlin for the final post-season tests at both Barcelona and Jerez. The Brazilian driver was immediately on the pace throughout these tests, which saw him finish 2nd fastest on both days during the Jerez test. This competitiveness shown from Nasr, coupled with his exceedingly successful debut season with DAMS, could potentially see him challenge for Championship supremacy next season with he British outfit.
“I’m so happy to be coming back to Carlin.” Enthused Felipe Nasr, “Not only is it the team that I won the British F3 championship with, but it’s also a team that I feel very comfortable with. Testing so far has gone very well. The Barcelona test was about getting used to the team and the Carlin car, and we were able to build on that this week in Jerez and show some real speed. I can’t wait for the 2013 season to get underway, for sure we’re going to have a really strong package.”
Towards the end of the 2012 season, the Marussia-backed Carlin outfit picked up several victories at the hands of Max Chilton, who later went on to become the Marussia F1 team reserve driver. Team owner Trevor Carlin aims to start the 2013 season from where his team left off in 2012, and firmly believes that Felipe Nasr will be a title contender in 2013.
“We have had the pleasure of working with Felipe before and we know what he is capable of when he’s happy in the car.” Explained Trevor Carlin, “He is an incredibly talented driver and to finish on the podium in his first weekend in the series shows his outright speed and potential; in his second season I believe he will be a real contender for the title. We have had two very productive seasons in GP2, which thanks in particular to Max who has been with us from the start, have seen us develop and improve as a team. We’re aiming to start 2013 where we left off in 2012.”
It is as of yet unknown who Felipe Nasr’s team-mate will be at Carlin next season, with the Brazilian driver currently only one of three drivers confirmed on the 2013 grid alongside Stefano Coletti and Daniël de Jong. The Brazilian driver greatly impressed many throughout the paddock during his debut season with DAMS, and will most certainly continue to do throughout 2013 as he aims to clinch his maiden victory in the series with Carlin.
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
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