Russian Time Replaces iSport International In GP2
German-based outfit Russian Time have replaced iSport International for the forthcoming GP2 Series season, in doing so becoming the first Russian outfit to join the Formula 1 feeder category. The new season kicks off in just under three weeks time, around Malaysia’s sensational Sepang International Circuit.
After it became apparent that iSport International were suffering from financial difficulties back in February, it was believed the British outfit were looking to sell their GP2 entry ahead of the new season. Despite partaking in the first winter test at Jerez, it has now been officially confirmed that their place on the 2013 grid has been taken by newcomers Russian Time.
Although the outfit are Russian and bear the nations name in their title, they are currently based in Germany. The team, founded by Igor Mazepa, are eager to begin operating within the GP2 Series, and are confident despite their late entry into the season. The team will get their first taste of GP2 track action later this week, at the second and final winter test around Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.
“We’re very happy to be joining the GP2 Series.” Enthused Igor Mazepa, “It is one of the most prestigious categories in motorsport and we cannot wait to start running with the car this week in Barcelona. We know that it will be a challenge to be quickly on par with the other teams, but we have managed to put together a group of people whose experience in GP2 will be invaluable and we are pretty confident that we will do a good job from the get-go. We’re looking forward to this first season and hope to add many more to it!”
Many will be sad to see iSport International depart from the GP2 Series, with the outfit having competed in the category since its inception back in 2005. Since then the outfit had taken 19 race victories, along with the Drivers’ Championship in 2007 with Timo Glock. Last season the team only secured two race victories at the hands of both Jolyon Palmer and Marcus Ericsson, both of whom left the team at the end of the season.
“I am pleased to welcome Russian Time to the GP2 Series.” Explained GP2’s CEO, Bruno Michel. “I am certain that they will be a great addition to our field. Igor Mazepa has already put in place a team of staff with some great GP2 experience which will help them be able to be on pace very quickly. I would like to take this opportunity to thank iSport International and Paul Jackson for eight great seasons in GP2 and wish them all the best for the future.”
Russian Time have yet to announce their drive line-up for the coming season, however with such a short space of time remaining until the season-opening race in support of the Malaysian Grand Prix, the announcement should be soon. The final winter test for the category begins on March 5th at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/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
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
Giedo van der Garde Takes Final GP2 Sprint Race Win At Singapore
Giedo van der Garde has taken victory at the final GP2 sprint race of the season, after yet another sensational chapter of the 2012 GP2 Series season. The Dutchman was followed home by the iSport International of Marcus Ericsson, with Fabio Leimer just fending off Luiz Razia for 3rd.
After his heavy incident yesterday, the Coloni of Luca Filippi failed to start the final race of the season. This meant only 25 cars lined up on the grid at the start, which was led away at the front by the dominant Caterham of Giedo van der Garde. The DAMS of Felipe Nasr endured a torrid getaway from the grid, dropping through the order as van der Garde led from Ericsson.
After the opening lap of the race, the Venezuela GP Lazarus of Sergio Canamasas was under investigation from the race stewards after one of his mechanics remained on the grid prior to the start of the race. Whilst Canamasas’ race slowly deteriorated, Nathaniel Berthon was forced to pit with a damaged front wing after a frenetic opening lap around the Marina Bay street circuit.
Jolyon Palmer became the first retirement of the race, after the Briton was pitched into the wall by the Barwa Addax of Johnny Cecotto jr. The Venezuelan driver was subsequently issued a drive-thru penalty for the incident, as was Sergio Canamasas due to his mechanic remaining on the grid after the specified time prior to the race.
However, as Johnny Cecotto jr. pitted for his drive-thru penalty, Sergio Canamasas raised many eyebrows throughout the paddock and failed to adhere to the rules. The race steadily worsened for the Venezuela GP Lazarus outfit, as their second driver Rene Binder binned it through the final corner and spun. Due to the precarious location of the stricken machine, the safety car was deployed as the marshals retrieved Binder’s car.
Whilst the field lapped the track behind the safety car, the race stewards decided the black flag Sergio Canamasas for not pitting for his drive-thru penalty. However, the Spaniard controversially remained out on track, as the marshals and his team mechanics frantically tried to contact Canamasas to inform him of the steward’s decision. Eventually, once the race had returned to green flag racing, Canamasas slowly limped back to the pits with what he blamed was an issue on his car, as well as a radio failure which prevented him from acknowledging the black flag.
As the controversy ensued in the pits, Giedo van der Garde carried out a masterful drive in the lead to take his fifth career victory in GP2, and his second of the season. A superb battle ensued further back for the final podium position and the Constructors’ Championship, as Fabio Leimer fought for 3rd with Luiz Razia and Esteban Gutierrez battled with the DAMS duo for the Constructors’ Championship. Eventually Leimer was able to clinch 3rd place, whereas DAMS were able to secure their first ever GP2 Series Constructors’ Championship.
This race brought the 2012 GP2 Series to a fine conclusion, which has seen Davide Valsecchi and DAMS crowned Drivers’ and Constructors’ Champions respectively. Esteban Gutierrez and Lotus were able to finish 3rd in the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships respectively, with Luiz Razia the runner-up in the Drivers’ Championship.
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Valsecchi Returns To Winning Ways With Sprint Race Victory At Monza
Local hero Davide Valsecchi has returned to the top step of the podium for the first time since Bahrain at the beginning of the season, as the Italian driver dominated a flawless lights to flag victory ahead of the Racing Engineering of Luiz Razia. British driver Jolyon Palmer was able to finish 3rd, after a frenetic closing lap at Monza.
At the start, Davide Valsecchi enjoyed a fabulous getaway as the DAMS driver stormed into the lead of the race. Marcus Ericsson was lucky to avoid contact through turn 1, as the Swedish driver completely missed his braking point and flew across the grass, cutting the final corner. Ericsson adhered to the rules and naturally gave the positions he gained back, as Davide Valsecchi set to opening up a gap to Fabio Leimer in 2nd.
Fabio Onidi’s race ended on the second lap, as the Italian driver missed his braking point for turn 1, and slammed into the unsuspecting Ocean Racing Technology of Nigel Melker. The two drivers joined the second Ocean Racing Technology of Victor Guerin in retirement, before the Lotus of Esteban Gutierrez became the fourth retirement after running wide at turn 11 and skipping across the gravel into the barriers.
GP2 returnee and feature race winner Luca Filippi endured a frustrating sprint race, as the Italian driver was forced to pit on lap 6. After the Coloni mechanics changed Filippi’s tyres, the Italian driver then stalled the engine and therefore lost further valuable track positions. Whilst Filippi fumbled at the steering wheel in the pits, fellow countryman Davide Valsecchi was beginning to open a gap over Fabio Leimer in 2nd.
As the race entered it’s closing stages, tyre wear and an urge to finish further up the field created the usual freneticism which the GP2 Series has become renowned for throughout the motor sport fraternity. Stefano Coletti ran wide at turn 1, thus falling down the order and allowing Johnny Cecotto jr. to have a chance at overtaking Max Chilton. The Venezuelan driver completed the overtake through turns 4 and 5, with Chilton just lightly damaging front wing in the process.
The iSport International duo of Jolyon Palmer and Marcus Ericsson became locked in a grueling battle for 3rd, with the two team-mates almost colliding through turn 1. Luckily for iSport, both Palmer and Ericsson ran wide at turn 1, instead of prematurely ending each others race. With the two team-mates jostling for position, this enabled Stefano Coletti to close up on the rear of Ericsson’s car, and eventually the Italian driver found a way around the Swede through turn 1 for 4th.
Julian Leal was battling for position with Sergio Canamasas further down the order, with the latter striving for his first points finish of the season. In a desperate attempt to keep the Spaniard at bay, Julian Leal ran wide at turns 4 and 5, bouncing dangerously over the kerbing and launching his Trident Racing car into the air. The Colombian driver bounced back to earth with a bump, but was miraculously still ahead of Canamasas.
As the last lap of the race drew to a conclusion, the battle for the final podium position gathered extreme momentum, as Stefano Coletti, Jolyon Palmer, Johnny Cecotto jr., and Max Chilton all jostled for position. As the pack negotiated the final corner, it was the iSport International of Jolyon Palmer who emerged top, finishing 3rd behind Fabio Leimer and eventual race winner Davide Valsecchi.
This was the Italian driver’s first victory since Bahrain at the beginning of the season, and has enabled Valsecchi to open up a 25 point lead in the Drivers’ Championship over the Arden International of Luiz Razia. As the GP2 Series now prepares to head to the Marina Bay Street Circuit for the season finale in Singapore, Luiz Razia will be in desperate need of a competitive and trouble free weekend if he has any wishes of clinching the 2012 GP2 Series Drivers’ Championship.
Results - 21 laps:
Pos Driver Team Time/Gap
1. Davide Valsecchi DAMS 33m06.731s
2. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering + 0.444s
3. Jolyon Palmer iSport + 7.873s
4. Stefano Coletti Rapax + 10.787s
5. Johnny Cecotto Jr Addax + 10.953s
6. Max Chilton Carlin + 11.418s
7. Marcus Ericsson iSport + 11.606s
8. Julian Leal Trident + 12.661s
9. Stephane Richelmi Trident + 13.383s
10. Giedo van der Garde Caterham + 14.540s
11. Sergio Canamasas Lazarus + 15.013s
12. Rio Haryanto Carlin + 15.711s
13. Rene Binder Lazarus + 15.934s
14. James Calado Lotus + 16.667s
15. Nathanael Berthon Racing Engineering + 20.179s
16. Luiz Razia Arden + 20.484s
17. Simon Trummer Arden + 25.436s
18. Ricardo Teixeira Rapax + 29.051s
19. Jake Rosenzweig Addax + 30.292s
20. Rodolfo Gonzalez Caterham + 34.034s
21. Felipe Nasr DAMS + 1m14.092s
22. Luca Filippi Coloni + 1m26.253s
Retirements:
Esteban Gutierrez Lotus 1 lap
Nigel Melker Ocean 1 lap
Fabio Onidi Coloni 1 lap
Victor Guerin Ocean 1 lap
Picture Copyright © Daniel Kalisz/GP2 Series Media Service
Marcus Ericsson Takes Victory In Delayed GP2 Feature Race
Marcus Ericsson has taken victory during a delayed GP2 feature race around the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit, after a nasty incident involving Nigel Melker delayed the race for a lengthy period of time on the second lap. Eventual winner Ericsson was followed home by James Calado in 2nd and Davide Valsecchi in 3rd.
The race started cleanly enough, with the entire field safely negotiating the first chicane. However, as the cars climbed up the daunting Eau Rouge section, Rodolfo Gonzalez became the first retirement as he embedded his Caterham into the tyre barriers after spinning off. Further up the order and Rio Haryanto still led at the front, as Fabio Leimer was tipped into a spin through turns 5 and 6, with the Swiss driver eventually retiring.
Marcus Ericsson enjoyed a superb start, rising to 2nd on the opening lap as the Lotus duo of Esteban Gutierrez and James Calado battle amongst themselves. However, the Lotus of Gutierrez ruined his race on lap 2, as the Mexican driver passed his team-mate through Eau Rouge under yellow flag conditions, incurring a drive-thru penalty much later in the race once it had restarted. Marcus Ericsson’s superlative race continued into the second lap, as the Swedish driver took the lead from the Indonesian sensation of Rio Haryanto.
However, proceedings at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit were halted on the second lap, as the Ocean Racing Technology driver of Nigel Melker lost his car at the top of Eau Rouge and slammed heavily into the barriers. The race was immediately put under safety car conditions, as the marshals and medical staff descended on Melker. Whilst the Dutchman received medical attention due to his horrific incident, the majority of the pack carried out their mandatory pit stops under the safety car conditions.
The race was then red flagged on lap 7, as the field lined up behind the safety car on the grid as Nigel Melker was extracted from his car and taken to the medical centre in an ambulance. Giedo van der Garde led the field after the pit stops, with the Caterham driver deciding against pitting with the rest of the field. The restart was just about get underway after the lengthy repair works were carried out to the tyre barriers, when proceedings were once again brought to an immediate halt even before the safety car and cars reached turn 1. This was due to the medical helicopter having not returned from taking Nigel Melker to a nearby hospital, and so another lengthy delay ensued as the GP2 fraternity patiently waited for the helicopter to return.
After an extremely lengthy delay, the race was restarted initially behind the safety car, before returning to green flag racing after one lap. van der Garde led the field at the front, as numerous drive-thru penalties were dished out for wrongdoings under the red flag conditions. This included penalties for Johnny Cecotto jr. for initially jumping the original start, and Esteban Gutierrez for passing under yellow flag conditions.
Another huge incident was almost caused on the run down to Eau Rouge, when Sergio Canamasas pushed Nathaniel Berthon into the wall, with the two only just touching as Berthon suffered front wing damage. This ultimately led to Canamasas retiring in the pits, as Berthon continue to circulate albeit further down the order after pitting.
The race ran relatively incident free for the remaining laps, with only Jolyon Palmer, Victory Guerin and Stefano Coletti retiring in numerous minor incidents throughout the closing stages of the race. With the leading trio of Giedo van der Garde, Stephane Richelmi and Simon Trummer pitting in the closing stages of the race, this promoted Marcus Ericsson back into the lead during the closing few laps, as the Swedish driver stormed to his second career victory in GP2. Felipe Nasr clinched the reverse grid pole on the last lap, which will see the DAMS driver start from pole for tomorrow’s sprint race.
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Esteban Gutierrez Wins Shortened GP2 Feature Race
Esteban Gutierrez has won a shortened GP2 feature race around a wet and slippery Silverstone, ahead of Johnny Cecotto jr. and local star Jolyon Palmer. The race initially started under the safety car, however after 7 laps the race was eventually green flagged as the drivers negotiated the tricky conditions.
After the lengthy delay in the Formula 1 qualifying, the GP2 feature race started later than scheduled and behind the safety car, with the Silverstone circuit still treacherously wet after the inclement weather of the previous few hours. However, even starting under the safety car failed to deter the drivers from coming together, as Daniël de Jong slammed into the rear of Rodolfo Gonzalez along the Old Pit Straight.
As de Jong retired from the race, it was announced that the safety car would come in towards the end of the next lap. Once the field finally took to green flag conditions, spray became the next big issue for the drivers a visibility was exceedingly poor. Several drivers including Championship leader Davide Valsecchi pitted for fresher wet tyres.
Stefano Coletti came to a momentary halt out on track around turn 4, as the Italian’s car suddenly slowed to a walking pace. The Italian driver skipped through the water-logged grass only moments before, most likely contributing to the loss of pace. However, the Scuderia Coloni driver managed to pick up the pace and return to racing speeds.
As the race continued, some drivers began opting to pit for fresher rubber, including local favorites James Calado and Jolyon Palmer. However, Calado stopped just after turn 1 only moments after his pit stop, with the Briton most likely suffering from a loose wheel. This brought out the safety car once again, with the rest of the field opting to make their pit-stops shortly after. Amazingly, race leader Fabio Leimer didn’t pit, a move which the Swiss driver would greatly regret later on in the race.
Marcus Ericsson and Stefano Coletti unbelievably switched to slick tyres during their stops, which subsequently lead to a further safety car period once the race was momentarily resumed for only one lap. Coletti lost control of his car at turn 14, with the majority of the track still wet after the previous rainfall.
As the safety car yet again returned to the track, Fabio Leimer made his inevitable stop thus handing down the lead to Esteban Gutierrez. This final safety car period lasted only one lap, before the race returned to green flag conditions once again. Due to the many delays, the race had become a timed event, and when the time ran out it was Mexican driver Esteban Gutierrez who crossed the line to take his second feature race victory in succession, ahead of Cecotto jr. and Palmer.
Tomorrow’s sprint race could once again be run in similar conditions to today, as Dutchman Giedo van der Garde lines up in the reverse grid pole for Caterham. Luiz Razia took the sprint race victory last time out in Valencia, in a thrilling final few laps.
Picture Copyright © Jakob Ebrey/GP2 series Media Service
Championship Leader Valsecchi Amongst Many Penalized In GP2
GP2 Series Championship leader Davide Valsecchi is one of many drivers who have been penalized after yesterday’s frantic qualifying session in torrential weather conditions. The Italian driver was issued two penalties after qualifying, and will therefore start this afternoon’s race from the rear of the pack.
Davide Valsecchi and Giedo van der Garde were initially both handed 10-place grid penalties for passing under red flag conditions yesterday, when Marcus Ericsson and Johnny Cecotto jr. caused the one and only delay of the session.
The Italian driver was then excluded altogether from the session, along with his DAMS team-mate Felipe Nasr, Marcus Ericsson and Stefano Coletti for failing to satisfy technical regulations regarding fuel. All four drivers are luckily still able to take part in today’s feature race, albeit from the back of the grid.
Fabio Leimer will start from pole, alongside Johnny Cecotto jr. with local driver Jolyon Palmer 3rd. After Coletti’s exclusion from qualifying, this means Esteban Gutierrez will start from 4th as the Mexican driver strives for yet another victory in GP2.
Picture Copyright © Jakob Ebrey/GP2 Series Media Service
Fabio Leimer Secures Pole For GP2 Feature Race
Fabio Leimer will start tomorrow’s GP2 feature race from pole position, after the Swiss driver ended qualifying fastest ahead of Johnny Cecotto jr. and Jolyon Palmer in yet another wet session at Silverstone. The rain continued to fall throughout the session, as the drivers tried their hardest to keep their cars pointing in the right direction.
World Championship leader Davide Valsecchi led out the pack as the session got underway, with the traditional queue of drivers lining up eager to start their qualifying surges. The DAMS driver also set the initial pace of the session, with a 02:09.167. However, the times quickly began to tumble as more and more drivers amazingly got to grips with the immensely tricky track conditions.
In typical GP2 qualifying tradition, many drivers shared the top spot as the times got gradually quicker. Both Esteban Gutierrez, Fabio Leimer and Davide Valsecchi went quickest, with the Racing Engineering of Leimer finally rising to the top once again with a 02:02.058. The 23-year-old continued to improve on his already blistering pace in the wet, setting a further 02:01.889 as the session wore on.
Marcus Ericsson and Johnny Cecotto jr. brought out the one and only red flag delay of the session, as the two drivers both stopped on track with separate issues. Ericsson stopped down the Hangar Straight whereas Cecotto jr. limped back to the pits. The session resumed shortly afterwards, as yet another long queue of drivers led by Esteban Gutierrez streamed back on to the track.
As the session came to a close, no-one could better the time already set by Fabio Leimer as the rain continued to fall at Silverstone. Davide Valsecchi stopped on track towards the end of the lap, as did his team-mate Felipe Nasr down the Wellington Straight. With yellow flags waving frantically around the circuit, it became impossible for any driver to improve on their times. This cemented Fabio Leimer’s maiden pole-position for tomorrow’s GP2 feature race, which is expected to be drier than today’s proceedings. As ever in GP2, the grid for Sunday’s sprint race will be determined by a reversal of the top eight after the feature race.
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
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