Marciello ends GP2 debut fastest after day one of post-season test
Reigning FIA Formula 3 Euro Series Champion Raffaele Marciello has ended the opening day of the GP2 post-season test fastest around Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit, after making his first appearance in the Series with Trident Racing. Alexander Rossi topped the morning session for Caterham, ahead of Daniel Abt and Johnny Cecotto.
With the GP2 season now at a conclusion after yet another thrilling finale around the Yas Marina Circuit, the Series retook to the tricky 5.554km circuit to carry out their traditional post-season test. As per usual a combination of returnees and debutants got behind the wheel of the numerous machines for the opening day of the test, with Pirelli nominating the medium tyre compound for the three days of track action. Johnny Cecotto set the initial pace in the morning session with a 01:50.642, ahead of former Arden International team-mate Mitch Evans.
The morning session ran relatively incident-free, apart from a brief red flag delay when rookie Denis Nagulin stopped for Venezuela GP Lazarus. Once the Russian’s car had been retrieved by the marshals, Alexander Rossi proceeded to rise to the top of the timing sheets for Caterham. The American sensation took his maiden GP2 race victory around the Yas Marina Circuit last weekend, and looked on fine form once again as he managed to produce the first timed lap of the day below the 01:50s with a 01:49.958. During the final minutes of the session Daniel Abt slotted into 2nd position for Hilmer Motorsport, with Johnny Cecotto 3rd for Venezuela GP Lazarus.
Alexander Rossi ended the morning session fastest ahead of Daniel Abt and Johnny Cecotto.
After allowing the GP3 Series to take to the Yas Marina Circuit for their opening day of track action, the evening session began under the iconic floodlights. Monegasque driver Stephane Richelmi managed to set the initial benchmark for DAMS, before former GP3 driver Carlos Sainz rose to the top for MW Arden. The Spanish sensation remained at the top of the timing sheets for the majority of the evening session, with the likes of Stoffel Vandoorne, Will Stevens, Rene Binder and Daniel Abt all gradually lowering the gap at the front.
However, with only one hour remaining in the opening day of the test, rookie Raffaele Marciello stormed to the top for Trident Racing with an impressive 01:49.811. Shortly after rising to the top for the Italian outfit, the second red flag delay of the day occurred when Alexander Rossi was forced to come to a halt out on the circuit after picking up a puncture due to a flat-spot. Despite the session being resumed for a short period before the conclusion, Raffaele Marciello managed to remain fastest ahead of Carlos Sainz and Daniel Abt with Johnny Cecotto 4th.
The GP2 fraternity will return to the Yas Marina Circuit tomorrow for the second day of track action, with numerous driver changes scheduled to ripple throughout the paddock. Jolyon Palmer will join Stephane Richelmi at DAMS, Sam Bird will return to GP2 to replace the still-injured Tom Dillmann at Russian Time whilst reigning British Formula Three Champion Jordan King will make his GP2 debut at Barwa Addax.
Morning times Pos Driver Team Time Laps 1. Alexander Rossi Caterham 1m49.958s 22 2. Daniel Abt Hilmer 1m50.608s 20 3. Johnny Cecotto Lazarus 1m50.643s 12 4. Mitch Evans Russian Time 1m50.722s 20 5. Raffaele Marciello Trident 1m50.812s 20 6. Daniel De Jong MP Motorsport 1m51.038s 15 7. Nico Muller Arden 1m51.144s 23 8. Stephane Richelmi DAMS 1m51.152s 20 9. Will Stevens MP Motorsport 1m51.210s 21 10. Rene Binder Arden 1m51.234s 25 11. Simon Trummer Rapax 1m51.515s 23 12. Carlos Sainz Carlin 1m51.536s 20 13. Jazeman Jaafar Carlin 1m51.620s 27 14. Julian Leal Trident 1m51.627s 13 15. Andre Negrao Hilmer 1m51.734s 21 16. Rio Haryanto Racing Engineering 1m51.779s 24 17. Jolyon Palmer Racing Engineering 1m51.966s 21 18. Rodolfo Gonzalez Addax 1m52.056s 13 19. Stoffel Vandoorne ART 1m52.357s 28 20. Arthur Pic ART 1m52.422s 28 21. Artem Markelov Russian Time 1m52.763s 17 22. Sandy Stuvik Rapax 1m52.772s 20 23. Nikolay Martsenko Addax 1m53.419s 18 24. Denis Magulin Lazarus 1m55.231s 20 25. Facu Regalia Caterham no time 1 Afternoon times Pos Driver Team Time Laps 1. Raffaele Marciello Trident 1m49.811s 17 2. Carlos Sainz Carlin 1m49.967s 28 3. Daniel Abt Hilmer 1m50.120s 25 4. Johnny Cecotto Lazarus 1m50.206s 19 5. Jolyon Palmer Racing Engineering 1m50.238s 28 6. Mitch Evans Russian Time 1m50.279s 22 7. Rene Binder Arden 1m50.291s 22 8. Will Stevens MP Motorsport 1m50.392s 26 9. Andre Negrao Hilmer 1m50.411s 26 10. Facu Regalia Caterham 1m50.525s 29 11. Stoffel Vandoorne ART 1m50.538s 23 12. Arthur Pic ART 1m50.547s 26 13. Simon Trummer Rapax 1m50.610s 27 14. Julian Leal Trident 1m50.631s 26 15. Nicol Muller Arden 1m50.634s 20 16. Rio Haryanto Racing Engineering 1m50.712s 24 17. Stephane Richelmi DAMS 1m50.791s 27 18. Artem Markelov Russian Time 1m50.900s 25 19. Rodolfo Gonzalez Addax 1m50.993s 25 20. Daniel De Jong MP Motorsport 1m51.106s 22 21. Jazeman Jaafar Carlin 1m51.261s 22 22. Nikolay Martsenko Addax 1m51.339s 30 23. Sandy Stuvik Rapax 1m51.343s 24 24. Alexander Rossi Caterham 1m52.006s 35 25. Denis Nagulin Lazarus 1m53.510s 24
Picture(s) Copyright © Sam Bloxham & Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Calado storms to GP2 sprint race victory, Russian Time crowned Champions
James Calado has ended his GP2 season in tremendous style with sprint race victory around the Yas Marina Circuit, after only just holding off the advancing Spaniard of Dani Clos. The duo were joined on the podium by newly-crowned Champion Fabio Leimer, as rookie outfit Russian Time secured the Team’s Championship ahead of Carlin.
At the start James Calado produced a sensational getaway off of the line, storming from 3rd to 1st into Turn 1. Behind the Briton utter mayhem ensued, as Felipe Nasr collided with initial poleman Johnny Cecotto and tipped the Venezuelan into a spin. Luckily the remainder of the field managed to avoid the stricken car, as Rio Haryanto and Alexander Rossi made light contact in the process. This damaged the Indonesian ace’s front-wing, and gave the Caterham a puncture which saw him spiral into retirement at the second corner.
After the freneticism of the first two corners, the field managed to avoid further mayhem through Turns 5 and 6, as James Calado enjoyed a huge lead at the front ahead of Dani Clos and Champion Fabio Leimer. Despite starting from a positive 2nd on the grid, Felipe Nasr’s chances of a competitive result were dashed after the opening lap, as the Brazilian driver limped back to the pits for a new front-wing. Meanwhile Sam Bird was up to 5th position behind the ART Grand Prix of Daniel Abt, with the Briton still striving to secure Russian Time the Teams’ Championship from Carlin.
With the marshals clearing both Johnny Cecotto and Alexander Rossi’s stricken machines, the safety car was deployed for just one lap. This saw James Calado’s dominant lead reduced to nothing as the field bunched up behind the safety car, before the race was resumed on Lap 3. Despite the resumption of the race, marshals were still sweeping the run-off area at Turn 2, creating a perilous few seconds as the field sprinted through the first few corners with yellow flags still flying. Eventually the marshals returned to their posts behind the barriers, allowing the yellow flags to be withdrawn and the race to well and truly be resumed.
With the Teams’ Championship still wide open between both Carlin and Russian Time, Sam Bird’s result would be pivotal in deciding the eventual Champions with team-mate Tom Dillmann not competing due to minor injuries sustained during the feature race. With Felipe Nasr struggling at the back of the pack after his first lap altercation with Johnny Cecotto, Carin’s hopes of Championship success lied heavily on the shoulders of Jolyon Palmer. The Briton had unfortunately endured a far from competitive start, and had slipped from 7th to 11th during the restart.
Russian Time managed to clinch the Teams’ Championship.
Sam Bird, on the other hand, had managed to gain a position over Daniel Abt for 4th position at Turns 11 and 12. The Briton now had his sights firmly set on former Championship rival Fabio Leimer for 3rd, with the Championship pendulum currently swinging in favour of Russian Time. Meanwhile James Calado was continuing to dominate at the front of the pack, producing the fastest lap of the race leaving Dani Clos a distant 2nd. After already enduring a tough start to his sprint race, Felipe Nasr was then struck with a drive-thru penalty for causing the incident. This fully ended any hopes he had of mounting a resurgence.
On Lap 9 a second safety car period was caused when the Hilmer Motorsport of Jon Lancaster misjudged an overtaking maneuver on the DAMS of Stephane Richelmi at Turns 8 and 9. Instead of taking to the extensive run-off areas, the Briton elected to run alongside the Monegasque driver which resulted in a race ending collision and subsequent spin. Luckily for Stephane Richelmi he managed to remain circulating, after sustaining hardly any damage in the process. Once again James Calado’s lead was reduced to nothing, with Dani Clos still 2nd ahead of Fabio Leimer.
At the restart James Calado simply catapulted himself back into a commanding lead at the front, as Julian Leal and Jolyon Palmer began battling hard for 10th position. At Turn 14 the duo made light contact after running side-by-side, resulting in minor front-wing damage for the Colombian driver. At first Jolyon Palmer seemed to have escaped unscathed, however the Briton’s race and his team’s Championship hopes were brought to a sudden conclusion when a left-rear puncture materialized. Although the Briton managed to limp back to the pits, he later retired from proceedings.
This meant Sam Bird needed to only remain in 4th position to clinch the Teams’ Championship for Russian Time, with Daniel Abt still clinging on the rear of his car in hope of retaking the 4th position from the Briton. With only several laps remaining, Adrian Quaife-Hobbs became the latest retirement for Hilmer Motorsport after suffering from rear-suspension failure on his car.
During the final laps Dani Clos began to gradually reel in the ART Grand Prix of James Calado, but to no avail as the Briton crossed the line to secure his fourth race victory of the season to cement his 3rd position in the Drivers’ Championship. Meanwhile Sam Bird managed to cling on to 4th position to clinch Russian Time the Teams’ Championship, after a superlative debut season for the outfit who will venture into GP3 as well next season.
Once again the GP2 Series season managed to fully entertain and enthrall many throughout the year, with a staggering 11 different drivers taking race victories including the likes of Fabio Leimer, Sam Bird, Robin Frijns and Nathaniel Berthon. The GP2 season will return next year for what will surely be another extremely entertaining affair, as the next generation of Formula 1 drivers prove their worth.
Results - 22 laps:
Pos Driver Team/Car Time/Gap
1. James Calado ART 44m04.124s
2. Dani Clos MP +0.787s
3. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering +4.965s
4. Sam Bird Russian Time +9.440s
5. Daniel Abt ART +9.957s
6. Marcus Ericsson DAMS +11.981s
7. Simon Trummer Rapax +13.188s
8. Sergio Canamasas Caterham +16.432s
9. Stefano Coletti Rapax +18.117s
10. Julian Leal Racing Engineering +18.487s
11. Jake Rosenzweig Addax +24.753s
12. Rio Haryanto Addax +33.689s
13. Nathanael Berthon Trident +34.153s
14. Mitch Evans Arden +34.485s
15. Gianmarco Raimondo Trident +36.123s
16. Rene Binder Lazarus +36.884s
17. Daniel de Jong MP +37.471s
18. Felipe Nasr Carlin +40.271s
19. Vittorio Ghirelli Lazarus +41.869s
20. Stephane Richelmi DAMS +1m19.122s
21. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs Hilmer +3 laps*
*Not running at finish
Retirements:
Jolyon Palmer Carlin 17 laps
Jon Lancaster Hilmer 9 laps
Johnny Cecotto Jr Arden 0 laps
Alexander Rossi Caterham 0 laps
Picture(s) Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Rossi takes maiden GP2 victory as Leimer is crowned Champion
Alexander Rossi has made GP2 history around the Yas Marina Circuit by becoming the first driver from America to win a race in the Series, whilst Fabio Leimer made history of his own by becoming the first Swiss driver to clinch the coveted Drivers’ Championship. Fellow rival Sam Bird suffered a disastrous race, after stalling on the grid.
Initially the start of the race was delayed after both Gianmarco Raimondo, Nathaniel Berthon and Adrian Quaife-Hobbs stalled on the grid as the five red lights came on. This saw the rest of the field once again circulate the Yas Marina Circuit on a second formation lap, as the three cars in question where wheeled into the pit-lane to start the race. With tensions running high, the five red flights once again illuminated over the grid as pole man Alexander Rossi prepared to sprint into action.
At the start utter mayhem ensued as Championship contender Sam Bird stalled on the grid, with the rest of the field including his main Championship rival Fabio Leimer miraculously avoiding the stranded Russian Time machine. As Sam Bird was wheeled back into the pits to restart his car and take to the track, carnage ensued at Turns 5 and 6 as Jon Lancaster was perilously launched into the air and onto the top of Tom Dillmann’s car. Luckily the front of the Briton’s machine only just missed the head of Tom Dillmann, as the rest of the field strove to avoid the melee.
Sam Bird is disconsolately wheeled back into the pits after stalling at the start.
This incident understandably saw the safety car deployed, which greatly assisted Sam Bird who managed to return to the action after stalling on the grid and not fall a lap down. At the front Jolyon Palmer managed to take the lead ahead of the Caterham of Alexander Rossi, with Championship leader Fabio Leimer a strong 3rd. As the marshals cleared away the stricken cars’ of Jon Lancaster and Tom Dillmann, Stephane Richelmi became the next retirement in his DAMS after returning to the pits. A replay of the Turn 5 incident showed the Monegasque driver also bouncing over the sharp kerbs behind the Lancaster and Dillmann incident, which could well have been a factor in his retirement.
After only a short period of time behind the safety car, the race was resumed with Jolyon Palmer in a dominant lead ahead of Alexander Rossi and Fabio Leimer. Further down the order saw Sam Bird scything his way through the order in a bid to redeem himself after his torrid start. At Turns 8 and 9, the British sensation managed to pass both Nathaniel Berthon and Adrian Quaife-Hobbs, before the first few scheduled pit-stops ensued. After enduring a tough qualifying session in his Rapax, Stefano Coletti’s race failed to improve, as the Monegasque driver lightly collided with the ART Grand Prix of James Calado before pitting a lap later.
On Lap 7 yellow flags began appearing in the first few corners, after bollard was knocked loose and onto the circuit. Luckily it was residing off of the racing line, allowing it to be retrieved without the necessity for a safety car intervention. A lap later Sam Bird returned to the pits for a new set of tyres along with Indonesian star Rio Haryanto, whilst race leader Jolyon Palmer continued to produce fastest laps in the lead of the race. Several laps later the other Championship contender of Fabio Leimer pitted along with Felipe Nasr, Sergio Canamasas and Dani Clos, whilst James Calado’s miserable weekend continued as was heard complaining of no power. A replay indicated that the Briton’s bargeboard had worked its way loose and had become stuck in his air intake.
After making his mandatory pit-stop, Championship leader Fabio Leimer began scything his way through the field with half of the drivers ahead of him still yet to stop. This saw the Swiss sensation breeze around Gianmarco Raimondo, who strove to make his car as wide as possible in his defense. Meanwhile further freneticism ensued further back, as Simon Trummer and Jake Rosenzweig collided at Turns 8 and 9. This saw both drivers come under investigation, with Simon Trummer eventually struck with a drive-thru penalty.
As the final feature race of the season continued, Vittorio Ghirelli became the latest retirement after returning to the pits. Meanwhile out on track Stefano Coletti continued to make minor mistakes, as the 24-year-old lightly tapped the rear of Gianmarco Raimondo’s Trident Racing. After loosing the lead at the start to Jolyon Palmer, Alexander Rossi eventually made his stop on Lap 18. In a bid to overtake the Briton when he made his pit-stop, the Caterham mechanics elected to only change the rear tyres.
Alexander Rossi made GP2 history for America.
This tactic proved sensational, as Jolyon Palmer pitted for his stop a lap later and returned to the track frustratingly behind the bright green Caterham of Alexander Rossi. However, the British driver had super-soft tyres bolted to his Carlin, which would give him a slight advantage for several laps before tyre wear intervened. Although Alexander Rossi was now in a net 1st place after rising ahead of Jolyon Palmer, Marcus Ericsson had in fact assumed the lead as he had yet to make his mandatory stop. Eventually the top three of Marcus Ericsson, Mitch Evans and James Calado all peeled off into the pits several laps later, thus allowing Daniel Abt to lead his first laps of the season.
Eventually the final two drivers of Daniel de Jong and Daniel Abt pitted on Lap 22, which released Alexander Rossi into the lead of the race ahead of the hard-charging Jolyon Palmer. With the race drawing to a climactic conclusion with Fabio Leimer on course to securing the Drivers’ Championship, the safety car was deployed for a second time after Mitch Evans collided with the Caterham of Sergio Canamasas at Turn 21. This saw the reigning GP3 Champion forced into retirement, as the field bunched up with Alexander Rossi still at the front.
As absolute confusion ensued in the Rapax pits as both Stefano Coletti and Simon Trummer pitted together without informing the team, Sam Bird had managed to rise up to 10th and a points-paying position. With Fabio Leimer running in 3rd position, all Bird required was a 7th place finish or higher to keep his Championship hopes alive. At the restart Alexander Rossi catapulted himself into a commanding lead, as Marcus Ericsson brought the Championship tension to breaking-point by overtaking Fabio Leimer for 3rd.
Now all Sam Bird required was a 9th place finish, as he lay in 10th position stuck behind the ART Grand Prix of Daniel Abt. As Nathaniel Berthon retired in a plume of smoke after his engine expired, Alexander Rossi crossed the line to take his and America’s maiden victory in the GP2 Series. Despite his jubilation, all eyes were focused on the Racing Engineering of Fabio Leimer and Russian Time of Sam Bird, whose positions remained unchanged as they crossed the line. This meant Fabio Leimer had secured the coveted GP2 title in nail-biting fashion, with Sam Bird 10th and only just unable to make the move for 9th.
On the last lap Stefano Coletti’s incident-filled race continued after he collided with the MP Motorsport of Daniel de Jong, which forced both drivers into retirement. Despite the Championship celebrations down in the Racing Engineering garages, tomorrow’s final sprint race still awaits the GP2 fraternity. Johnny Cecotto has managed to secure the reverse grid pole for Arden International, and will start the race alongside Felipe Nasr.
Results - 29 laps:
Pos Driver Team/Car Time/Gap
1. Alexander Rossi Caterham 1h00m16.414s
2. Jolyon Palmer Carlin +2.130s
3. Marcus Ericsson DAMS +3.075s
4. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering +4.687s
5. Dani Clos MP +5.218s
6. James Calado ART +6.370s
7. Felipe Nasr Carlin +8.873s
8. Johnny Cecotto Jr Arden +12.142s
9. Daniel Abt ART +13.102s
10. Sam Bird Russian Time +13.568s
11. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs Hilmer +14.852s
12. Sergio Canamasas Caterham +15.896s
13. Simon Trummer Rapax +15.919s
14. Rio Haryanto Addax +19.021s
15. Rene Binder Lazarus +19.229s
16. Julian Leal Racing Engineering +21.039s
17. Gianmarco Raimondo Trident +23.308s
18. Nathanael Berthon Trident +1 lap*
19. Stefano Coletti Rapax +1 lap*
20. Daniel de Jong MP +1 lap*
21. Jake Rosenzweig Addax +3 laps*
*Not running at finish
Retirements:
Mitch Evans Arden 22 laps
Vittorio Ghirelli Lazarus 9 laps
Stephane Richelmi DAMS 1 lap
Tom Dillmann Russian Time 0 laps
Jon Lancaster Hilmer 0 laps
Picture(s) Copyright © Sam Bloxham & Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Fabio Leimer calm ahead of GP2 Championship showdown
Racing Engineering’s Fabio Leimer is remaining calm ahead of the GP2 Championship showdown this weekend around the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, which will finally see the 2013 GP2 Series Champion crowned. The Swiss ace is currently seven points clear of Sam Bird at the top of the Championship.
After twenty races in 2013 visiting legendary circuits such as Monte-Carlo, Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps, the GP2 Series will come to an enthralling conclusion this weekend around Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit. With only two races still to run, five drivers can still mathematically clinch the Championship, however Fabio Leimer and Sam Bird are unquestionably entering the finale as favourites as they sit only seven points clear of each other at the top of the standings. Despite this presumption, both Felipe Nasr, Stefano Coletti and James Calado could each pose a threat as the season draws to an end.
Although the Russian Time of Sam Bird has clinched two more victories than his Championship rival throughout the 2013 season, Fabio Leimer still sits atop the Championship standings heading into the finale. Both Fabio Leimer and Sam Bird began their separate GP2 careers’ back in 2009 around the Yas Marina Circuit in the Asian Series, with both drivers gradually rising through the category to become regular race winners and Championship contenders. Despite the expected pressure heading into the final GP2 race weekend leading the Drivers’ Championship, Fabio Leimer is remaining exceptionally calm.
Sam Bird sits only seven points behind Championship leader Fabio Leimer.
“It’s good to go to Abu Dhabi with a seven point lead, but we have to focus on the race weekend and not the Championship.” Explained Fabio Leimer, who is poised to become Switzerland’s first GP2 Champion. “We will concentrate on doing a good job, as we have done all year long. Pressure is not a problem because we have been working for this for several years. There is no reason to become nervous when you finally get the chance to achieve what you have worked so hard for.”
Throughout the 2013 season, the GP2 Series has visited a diverse collection of circuits around the world as Formula 1’s main support category. This has seen the many drivers tackle the notorious streets of Monte-Carlo, muscle their way around the sweeping curves of the ever-daunting Spa-Francorchamps circuit and also enjoy the long straights of the Autodromo di Monza. However, this weekend’s circuit will pose an altogether different challenge to the numerous drivers. With the first sector a combination of fast-flowing curves and never-ending straights, the second and third sectors are reminiscent to a street circuit such as Marina Bay in Singapore or even Monte-Carlo.
Despite the challenge awaiting the Championship contenders, Fabio Leimer is unperturbed by the Yas Marina Circuit’s difficult layout. The Rothrist-born driver made his GP2 debut around the circuit in 2009, and won the last GP2 event at the circuit in 2011 for the Spanish outfit from pole position. Undoubtedly due to his previous success around the circuit, Fabio Leimer is eager to get the track action underway for this weekend’s GP2 season finale.
“I like the Yas Marina Circuit a lot.” Enthused Fabio Leimer, “I drove my first ever GP2 race in Abu Dhabi and actually finished on the podium, and last time we drove here things went pretty well for me as well. Even though I normally prefer the fast tracks, Abu Dhabi is one of my favourite venues, I could not say why in particular. Just the whole layout is amazing and I am really looking forward to the races there.”
Due to the tight and twisty confines of the second and third sectors in particular, Fabio Leimer will unquestionably be striving to secure only his second pole position of the season. However, there is no denying that the Swiss ace will meet strong resistance throughout the weekend from his fellow Championship rivals, with other drivers such as Marcus Ericsson, Tom Dillmann and Jolyon Palmer all out to enjoy a competitive race weekend in a bid to secure race seats for 2014.
Picture(s) Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Sam Bird cruises to dominant sprint race victory at Singapore
Sam Bird has cruised to his fifth victory of the season after a dominant display during the GP2 sprint race around the Marina Bay Street Circuit, keeping his Championship chances alive with only one race weekend remaining. The Briton finished ahead of Marcus Ericsson and fellow Championship rival Fabio Leimer.
Once again the GP2 fraternity negotiated the opening few corners relatively incident-free, as Sam Bird scampered into the lead ahead of Marcus Ericsson. Fabio Leimer rose from 4th to 3rd into Turn 1, as Tom Dillmann struggled off of the line with his super-soft Pirelli tyres. As the field jostled for position Stefano Coletti ran straight into the side of Mitch Evans at Turn 8, resulting in a momentary car-park as the likes of Simon Trummer, Alexander Rossi and Julian Leal all became involved in the incident. Luckily a safety car delay was not required, as all of the drivers managed to continue circulating.
After the opening lap Alexander Rossi was forced to return to the pits for a new front-wing after the earlier collision, as Stefano Coletti was struck with a drive-thru penalty for causing the initial incident. Further shenanigans ensued throughout the next lap, as Sergio Canamasas literally ran out of road on the exit of Turn 8 and tapped the retaining wall. This saw the Spaniard’s suspension crumble upon impact, as he became the first retirement of the race. Amazingly a safety car delay was still not required, as the efficient marshals managed to clear the stricken Caterham machine under double-waved yellow flags.
Unfortunately for Daniel Abt he failed to adhere to the many yellow flags being waved during the recovery of Canamasas’ Caterham, resulting in the German driver being struck with a drive-thru penalty. As his ART Grand Prix mechanics awaited his imminent arrival in the pit-lane, both Tom Dillmann and Felipe Nasr began to plummet through the order after starting the race on the super-soft tyre compound. Meanwhile Stefano Coletti’s sprint race failed to improve after his opening lap incident, as the Monegasque driver’s front-wing was seen flailing around after his collision with Mitch Evans. The marshals immediately displayed the black and orange flag to the Rapax driver, forcing him to return to the pits for a new one.
As the race progressed Sam Bird maintained his lead at the front ahead of Marcus Ericsson, whereas further down the order Felipe Nasr elected to pit for a fresh set of super-soft tyres after continuing to plummet through the pack. Whilst the Brazilian ace rejoined the action with gearbox woes beginning to materialise on his Carlin machine, Daniel Abt finally pitted to serve his drive-thru penalty. However, the German had exceeded the three lap requirement to serve his penalty and was therefore disqualified from proceedings.
On Lap 10 Tom Dillmann also elected to pit for a fresh set of super-soft tyres, before Jolyon Palmer did likewise as a frenetic battle between 9th and 17th ensued between the likes of Dani Clos, Simon Trummer, Julian Leal and Mitch Evans. Amazingly the majority of the racing was clean, as tyre wear began to effect many drivers up and down the order. As the race entered its closing stages, Marcus Ericsson began to gradually reel in race leader Sam Bird, however the Briton soon responded with several blistering lap times to further extend his lead at the front. Meanwhile the battle within the incredibly competitive midfield raged on, with the final points-paying positions changing each lap.
Despite the ever-changing positions within the midfield, the top three remained the same as Sam Bird stormed across the line to secure his fifth victory of the season ahead of Marcus Ericsson and Fabio Leimer. After the race a bizarre scenario ensued, as Alexander Rossi suddenly changed direction to enter a side-road on the cool-down lap, only to get T-boned by the Racing Engineering of Fabio Leimer. Sam Bird now sits only seven points behind Championship leader Fabio Leimer, with one race weekend remaining in early November around the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. The season has been one of pure unpredictability, and the trend will surely create a mouth-watering finale in several months time when the new GP2 Champion is eventually crowned.
Results - 20 laps:
Pos Driver Team Time/Gap
1. Sam Bird Russian Time 40m36.444s
2. Marcus Ericsson DAMS +5.787s
3. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering +7.745s
4. Stephane Richelmi DAMS +9.311s
5. Jon Lancaster Hilmer +17.885s
6. Johnny Cecotto Jr Arden +34.140s
7. Daniel de Jong MP +56.282s
8. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs Hilmer +57.159s
9. Rene Binder Lazarus +1m07.397s
10. Nathanael Berthon Trident +1m07.997s
11. Rio Haryanto Addax +1m08.302s
12. Julian Leal Racing Engineering +1m09.052s
13. Simon Trummer Rapax +1m09.248s
14. Tom Dillmann Russian Time +1m11.366s
15. Mitch Evans Arden +1m15.458s
16. Felipe Nasr Carlin +1m15.990s
17. Jolyon Palmer Carlin +1m16.415s
18. Jake Rosenzweig Addax +1m22.004s
19. James Calado ART +1m28.898s
20. Vittorio Ghirelli Lazarus +1m37.714s
21. Dani Clos MP +1m49.482s
22. Gianmarco Raimondo Trident +2m02.960s
23. Alexander Rossi Caterham +1 lap
24. Stefano Coletti Rapax +1 lap
Retirements:
Daniel Abt ART 9 laps
Sergio Canamasas Caterham 2 laps
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Adrian Quaife-Hobbs storms to maiden GP2 victory in sprint race at Monza
British sensation Adrian Quaife-Hobbs has stormed to his maiden victory in the GP2 Series around the Autodromo di Monza, after a 21-lap sprint race which featured a minor rain shower. The 22-year-old was followed by initial poleman Alexander Rossi, who endured a poor start off of the line. Julian Leal came home an impressive 3rd for Racing Engineering.
As the field pulled away for the start of the formation lap, Jake Rosenzweig’s unfortunate weekend continued as the American driver stalled on the grid. He was eventually wheeled into the pit-lane, where he was forced to start the race as the field line-up for the start. When the five red lights went out Adrian Quaife-Hobbs majestically stormed into a commanding lead, as poleman Alexander Rossi stuttered and became swamped by the immediate competition. James Calado also stalled at the back, before eventually getting away, albeit plum last.
Unlike the earlier GP3 race, the GP2 drivers managed to negotiate the opening chicane relatively incident-free, as Stephane Richelmi forced Sam Bird wide at Turn 1 and in the process damaged his front-wing. This forced the Monegasque driver to return to the pits, as team-mate Marcus Ericsson was struck with a race-ruining rear puncture which also forced him to return to the pits. As the opening laps of the race ticked away Nathaniel Berthon unsportingly edged rookie team-mate Sergio Campana onto the grass and into a spin. Luckily the Italian driver was able to continue circulating, as Berthon was struck with a drive-thru penalty for his actions.
As the race progressed Daniel de Jong spun at Turn 1 and lightly tapped the barrier, however the Dutchman was able to continue racing. Meanwhile Sam Bird and Julian Leal were battling hard for 2nd position further up the field, with the duo amazingly avoiding contact despite their exceedingly close proximity on the track. On Lap 6 Daniel Abt was struck with a hefty stop/go penalty, after his ART Grand Prix machine failed to have all of the tyres secured to his car before the three minute signal at the start.
With Adrian Quaife-Hobbs still leading the race ahead of Julian Leal on Lap 8, further entertainment was thrown into the mix when rain began to fall over the Autodromo di Monza. This saw James Calado immediately pit for wet weather tyres, with the Briton anticipating a deluge and therefore an opportunity to rise back through the order. Despite only a few minutes of intermittent rainfall, James Calado’s gamble failed to pay off and the Briton was forced to return to the pits for slick tyres. During the short period of rainfall both Julian Leal and Sam Bird rain wide at Turn 1, allowing Alexander Rossi to redeem himself and rise into 2nd position at the second chicane.
As the American ace strove to catch race leader Adrian Quaife-Hobbs, Jon Lancaster struggled to cleanly overtake Vittorio Ghirelli. The Briton clattered clumsily over the kerbs at Turn 1, and subsequently forced the duo into the retaining gravel trap. Despite Alexander Rossi’s late charge against Adrian Quaife-Hobbs, the Hilmer Motorsport driver managed to maintain his lead and cross the line to take his maiden GP2 victory. The duo were followed home by Julian Leal, who secured yet another podium finish.
The GP2 paddock will reconvene around the streets of Singapore next time out, for the penultimate race weekend of the season. Fabio Leimer heads to the street circuit leading the Drivers’ Championship, with an increased points advantage after securing the fastest lap of the race and a further two points.
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Fabio Leimer resists Sam Bird to win GP2 feature race at Monza
Fabio Leimer has managed to resist the tremendous pace of Sam Bird to win a highly entertaining GP2 feature race around the legendary Autodromo di Monza, after a frenetic 30-lap race. The duo were followed by the other Russian Time machine of Tom Dillmann, after both Stefano Coletti and Felipe Nasr retired from proceedings.
At the start Fabio Leimer stormed into a comfortable lead into Turn 1, despite starting 2nd on the grid alongside Sam Bird. Amazingly the entire field managed to negotiate the first few corners relatively incident-free, despite some drivers skipping across the grass to avoid major contact. After the opening lap reigning GP3 Champion Mitch Evans collided with the Rapax of Simon Trummer, which subsequently forced both into retirement and also forced the majority of the field to take avoiding action through the retaining gravel trap.
The two stricken cars were cleared without a safety car interruption, despite partially blocking the track during the immediate aftermath. Daniel Abt returned to the pits after the second lap, after picking up a puncture which could well have been caused after running through the gravel to avoid colliding with either Simon Trummer or Mitch Evans. As Sam Bird continued to hunt down Fabio Leimer in the lead, Jake Rosenzweig became the next retirement after a minor collision with Tom Dillmann which broke the American’s front-left suspension.
As the race raged on, Alexander Rossi and Sergio Campana became the first drivers’ to complete scheduled pit-stops, before Championship leader Stefano Coletti did likewise. However, the Monegasque sensation locked-up heavily on the entry to the pit-lane, which saw him mistakingly speed in the pits and therefore incur a drive-thru penalty. Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr became the next drivers to pit from the front of the pack, as Fabio Leimer continued to lead Sam Bird.
After exiting the pit-lane Felipe Nasr became locked in a grueling battle for 16th with Adrian Quaife-Hobbs, however the Brazilian ace managed to fend off the advancing Briton with some masterful defensive driving. Carlin’s Jolyon Palmer pitted a lap later, and seemingly enjoyed a decent pit-stop. However, during his first lap back on the track his left-rear tyre worked its way loose and fell off, forcing the Briton into an embarrassing retirement. Meanwhile Sergio Canamasas and Johnny Cecotto became locked in a battle for track position, with the two incident-prone drivers unreservedly colliding with each other through Turn 1. This subsequently saw the stewards elect to investigate the duo.
Whilst the marshals cleared the stricken Carlin of Jolyon Palmer and hunted down his rogue wheel, race leader Fabio Leimer pitted on Lap 12 thus allowing Sam Bird to assume the lead of the race. Several laps later Marcus Ericsson became the next retirement for DAMS, after a left-rear puncture struck his car and forced him to pull over at the side of the track. After Stefano Coletti’s uncompetitive display during the race, Felipe Nasr looked set to reap the rewards and potentially leapfrog the Monegasque ace in the Championship. However, a mechanical issue on his car saw him grind to a halt at Turn 1 and into retirement.
On Lap 19 Sam Bird stormed into the pits for his scheduled pit-stop, ceding the lead of the race to team-mate Tom Dillmann. Despite a frustratingly slow stop, the Briton rejoined only just behind Fabio Leimer on the softer rubber. As Tom Dillmann also pitted and handed the lead to Stephane Richelmi, the battle for the eventual lead of the race raged on between Fabio Leimer and Sam Bird. On Lap 23 Richelmi finally became the last driver to make his mandatory pit-stop, allowing Fabio Leimer to return to the lead with Sam Bird quick on his heels.
With Felipe Nasr now out of the race, it seemed Stefano Coletti’s immediate Championship threat had disappeared. However, disaster struck the Rapax driver as he was forced into retirement on Lap 24. This then switched the emphasis on the Championship to Fabio Leimer and Sam Bird, who sat 3rd and 4th respectively in the Drivers’ Championship.
Although Sam Bird managed to close the gap to Fabio Leimer to under a second, the Briton was unable to thwart to Swiss master, who stormed across the line to secure his 5th victory in the Series and the lead in the Drivers’ Championship. Tom Dillmann managed to follow the leading duo home in 3rd, with American sensation Alexander Rossi securing the reverse grid pole in 8th. He will start tomorrow’s sprint race alongside Adrian Quaife-Hobbs on the front row of the grid.
Picture Copyright © Charles Coates/GP2 Series Media Service
Berthon fends off Evans to secure maiden GP2 victory at Budapest
Nathaniel Berthon has stormed to his maiden victory in the GP2 Series, after masterfully fending off the charging Mitch Evans around the Hungaroring. The leading duo were followed by Fabio Leimer in the Racing Engineering machine, albeit over ten seconds behind the Kiwi.
At the start Nathaniel Berthon shot into a commanding lead from the reverse grid pole, as Marcus Ericsson rose from 7th to 4th at Turn 1. Further down the order carnage ensued as Sergio Canamasas, Daniel de Jong and Adrian Quaife-Hobbs all made contact. All three drivers were eventually forced into retirement, with Canamasas limping back to the pits without a front or rear-wing. The resulting incident momentarily brought out the safety car, as the ever-efficient Hungarian marshals cleared the stricken cars and detritus littered across the track.
After the opening lap both Ricardo Teixeira and Daniel Abt pitted, as the leaders caught up with the safety car. Eventually the race was resumed, with Nathaniel Berthon propelling himself back into a commanding lead ahead of Mitch Evans. Felipe Nasr stormed up the inside of Simon Trummer at Turn 1, with Stephane Richelmi striving to do likewise but ultimately failing to make the move stick.
As the sprint race progressed, Venezuela GP Lazarus debutant Vittorio Ghirelli leaped across the grass at Turn 2 in a bizarre overtaking maneuver on Johnny Cecotto. Dani Clos suffered from a puncture on Lap 5, after the GP2 returnee made a minor error by skipping across the grass towards the end of the lap. This saw the Spaniard limp back to the pits, and plummet down the order in what was turning out to be a disastrous return to the Series. Whilst the usual excitement ensued throughout the order, Nathaniel Berthon had managed to extend his lead to three seconds over Mitch Evans.
On Lap 6, Championship leader Stefano Coletti’s race weekend failed to improve as the Monegasque driver was forced to pit for a new front-wing. This naturally saw the 24-year-old fall even further down the order, as many drivers were instructed by their race engineers’ to preserve their tyres for the end of the race. Julian Leal and Alexander Rossi made contact at Turn 1 on Lap 12, with the Colombian driver picking up a puncture and subsequently spinning off at Turn 2. Although Leal was able to return to the track and pit for new tyres, Alexander Rossi was struck with a drive-thru penalty for causing an avoidable incident.
As the race entered its closing stages, the gap between race leader Nathaniel Berthon and Mitch Evans ebbed and flowed, as Johnny Cecotto returned to the pits to retire on Lap 20. Although the reigning GP3 Champion gradually lowered the gap to Nathaniel Berthon, the Kiwi was unable to stop the Frenchman securing his first victory in the Series and Trident Racing’s first since Hungary back in 2011.
Results - 28 laps:
Pos Driver Team Time/Gap
1. Nathanael Berthon Trident 45m06.319s
2. Mitch Evans Arden +2.239s
3. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering +13.441s
4. Marcus Ericsson DAMS +15.983s
5. Felipe Nasr Carlin +23.367s
6. James Calado ART +27.216s
7. Simon Trummer Rapax +31.387s
8. Sam Bird Russian Time +37.958s
9. Stephane Richelmi DAMS +40.002s
10. Rio Haryanto Addax +43.991s
11. Tom Dillmann Russian Time +44.383s
12. Jolyon Palmer Carlin +51.408s
13. Rene Binder Lazarus +51.699s
14. Daniel Abt ART +56.342s
15. Jake Rosenzweig Addax +1m01.084s
16. Alexander Rossi Caterham +1m05.663s
17. Vittorio Ghirelli Lazarus +1m11.592s
18. Jon Lancaster Hilmer +1m12.378s
19. Ricardo Teixeira Trident +1m13.045s
20. Julian Leal Racing Engineering +1 laps
Retirements:
Stefano Coletti Rapax 27 laps
Dani Clos MP 24 laps
Johnny Cecotto Jr Arden 19 laps
Sergio Canamasas Caterham 1 lap
Daniel de Jong MP 0 laps
Adrian Quaife-Hobbs Hilmer 0 laps
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Jolyon Palmer wins nail-biting Hungarian Grand Prix feature race
Jolyon Palmer has stormed to a sensational victory after a nail-biting GP2 feature race around Budapest’s Hungaroring, with the Briton being followed home by the DAMS of Marcus Ericsson and Carlin team-mate of Felipe Nasr. The race was relatively incident-free, with frenetic track action from the moment the five red lights went out.
Initially the start of the race was aborted, after Ricardo Teixeira stalled on the formation lap. This saw the field complete yet another formation lap, as the MP Motorsport duo of Daniel de Jong and Dani Clos both stalled and were forced to start from the pit-lane along with Ricardo Teixeira. Eventually the race got underway, with pole-man Tom Dillmann suffering from an abysmal getaway. This enabled Felipe Nasr to storm into the lead, with Fabio Leimer 2nd in the Racing Engineering machine.
By the end of the opening lap Tom Dillmann found himself way down in 6th position and battling with team-mate Sam Bird, whereas further down the order Rene Binder also stalled on the grid but eventually managed to get restarted. In traditional GP2 fashion utter mayhem ensued throughout the order during the opening lap, with Jon Lancaster and Daniel Abt coming together as Julian Leal lost his front-wing the ensuring carnage. Stefano Coletti was one of the many drivers who returned to the pits after the opening lap to fix damage sustained during the frenetic opening lap.
At Turn 1, Marcus Ericsson stormed up the inside of Jolyon Palmer for 3rd position, with the Swede’s team-mate Stephane Richelmi also eager to make a move. Already Felipe Nasr had opened up a two second lead, as Tom Dillmann became one of the first drivers to make a scheduled pit-stop along with James Calado, Adrian Quaife-Hobbs and Sergio Canamasas. Marcus Ericsson pitted a lap later along with Alexander Rossi, Sam Bird and Nathaniel Berthon. After making their mandatory pit-stops, James Calado managed to barge his way around Alexander Rossi for 18th after a superb overtaking maneuver.
On Lap 9, Felipe Nasr and Fabio Leimer pitted from the lead of the race, handing the lead down to Jolyon Palmer. As Nasr and Leimer exited the pit-lane, Marcus Ericsson wasted no time in overtaking the duo to rise up to 2nd position, with an excellent maneuver at Turn 2 on Felipe Nasr. Further down the order Jon Lancaster and Sergio Canamasas collide at Turn 12, with both suffering damage which ultimately saw the Caterham driver forced into retirement.
By Lap 17, Jolyon Palmer carried out his mandatory pit-stop. The Carlin mechanics mastered a sensationally quick stop, however Marcus Ericsson still managed to overtake the Briton upon exiting the pit-lane as Johnny Cecotto assumed the lead of the race for Arden International. The Venezuelan driver’s lead was short-lived, as team-mate Mitch Evans soon overtook him at Turn 1. On Lap 19 Jolyon Palmer momentarily overtook Marcus Ericsson around the outside of Turn 2, however the Carlin driver ran extensively wide at Turn 3 and therefore lost his position.
Johnny Cecotto eventually pitted on Lap 20, leaving only Vittorio Ghirelli, Simon Trummer and Mitch Evans out in front without making their mandatory pit-stops. Once again Jolyon Palmer lunged up the inside of Marcus Ericsson, failing to make the move stick after out-braking himself and running wide. The Briton continued to struggle to make the move stick at Turn 1 for several laps, as Ghirelli pitted from 3rd. Simon Trummer assumed the lead of the race a lap later when Mitch Evans pitted, before Jolyon Palmer finally perfected an overtaking maneuver on Marcus Ericsson for 2nd.
Further down the order utter mayhem continued, as Johnny Cecotto slammed into the rear of Tom Dillmann as the Frenchman slowed whilst battling for position. This saw Dillmann plummet through the order, as Cecotto continued to circulate despite a ruined front-wing. This eventually saw the Venezuelan driver struck with a black and orange flag, forcing him to pit for a new nose before being issued with a drive-thru penalty for causing the collision. Meanwhile Simon Trummer finally became the last driver to complete his mandatory pit-stop, allowing Jolyon Palmer to assume a well deserved lead in his Carlin.
After a lengthy battle for position with Jolyon Palmer, Marcus Ericsson now became locked in a grueling battle for 2nd with the other Carlin of Felipe Nasr. The duo banged wheels into Turn 13, before Johnny Cecotto threw the spanner in the works by un-lapping himself on Felipe Nasr and Marcus Ericsson and completely diluting a sensational battle for position. Amid all of the confusion up and down the order, Jake Rosenzweig and Daniel Abt had retired during the closing stages of the race, as Jolyon Palmer secured his second victory in the GP2 Series ahead of Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr. Championship leader Stefano Coletti could only manage 16th, after a tough feature race.
Frenchman Nathaniel Berthon managed to secure the reverse grid pole for Trident Racing, and will start alongside reigning GP3 Champion Mitch Evans in what will surely be a terrific sprint race tomorrow morning.
Results - 36 laps:
Pos Driver Team Time/Gap
1. Jolyon Palmer Carlin 57m14.477s
2. Marcus Ericsson DAMS +15.407s
3. Felipe Nasr Carlin +15.794s
4. Fabio Leimer Racing Engineering +19.433s
5. Stephane Richelmi DAMS +19.740s
6. Simon Trummer Rapax +21.499s
7. Mitch Evans Arden +22.584s
8. Nathanel Berthon Trident +36.439s
9. James Calado ART +38.203s
10. Sam Bird Russian Time +44.671s
11. Rio Haryanto Addax +51.951s
12. Daniel de Jong MP +52.520s
13. Alexander Rossi Caterham +54.815s
14. Dani Clos MP +55.990s
15. Julian Leal Racing Engineering +56.302s
16. Stefano Coletti Rapax +57.202s
17. Vittorio Ghirelli Lazarus +58.621s
18. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs Hilmer +1m05.995s
19. Ricardo Teixeira Trident +1m16.133s
20. Tom Dillmann Russian Time +1m33.788s
21. Johnny Cecotto Jr Arden +1 lap
22. Rene Binder Lazarus +1 lap
23. Jon Lancaster Hilmer +1 lap
Retirements:
Daniel Abt ART 34 laps
Jake Rosenzweig Addax 32 laps
Sergio Canamasas Caterham 17 laps
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Jon Lancaster Wins Once Again After Thrilling GP2 Sprint Race In Germany
Jon Lancaster has stormed to his second consecutive sprint race victory around the Nurburgring, finishing just ahead of fellow countryman James Calado with Swiss driver Fabio Leimer a distant 3rd for Racing Engineering. Championship leader Stefano Coletti suffered a disastrous race, eventually finishing way down in 20th position.
After barrel-rolling at the start of the feature race, Kevin Ceccon failed to partake in the sprint race due to irreparable damage to his Trident Racing machine. At the start of the race, Jon Lancaster stormed into a commanding lead as initial pole man Tom Dillmann immediately came under serious pressure from James Calado who managed to rise up to 3rd. The field miraculously negotiated the opening few corners without incident, as James Calado began to put Tom Dillmann under severe pressure.
Towards the end of the opening lap, Stephane Richelmi and Daniel de Jong collided at Turn 10. This forced both drivers into retirement, with de Jong limping back to the pits and Richelmi stopping right in the middle of the circuit. This caused a short safety car period, as the marshals retrieved the Monegasque driver’s stricken machine. The safety car period lasted for only two laps, before Jon Lancaster stormed once again into a commanding lead at the front ahead of the visibly struggling Russian Time of Tom Dillmann.
As a train of cars began queuing up behind the Frenchman, James Calado and Fabio Leimer both finally managed to overtake Tom Dillmann for 2nd and 3rd respectively as the Frenchman’s continued to struggle. Further down the order Nathaniel Berthon was tipped into a spin by Sergio Canamasas at Turn 1, with the latter subsequently being struck with a drive-thru penalty for causing a collision. After finally overtaking Tom Dillmann for 2nd, James Calado began catching race leader Jon Lancaster by roughly one second a lap. However, the Briton was soon instructed to save tyres by his race engineer.
Further down the order Robin Frijns got too overzealous behind the Russian Time of Sam Bird, as the Dutchman stormed up the inside at Turn 3 and collided with the 26-year-old. Despite spinning in spectacular fashion, both initially managed to continue circulating before the Dutchman was eventually forced into retirement as Sergio Canamasas served his penalty. After initially starting the race from the reverse grid pole, Tom Dillmann’s race failed to improve as the Frenchman was struck with a mechanical issue and limped back to the pits. Despite returning to the action on several occasions, his mechanical gremlins persisted as the race entered its closing laps.
As the race wore on Marcus Ericsson began to suffer greatly from tyre wear, as the feature race winner plummeted through the order as the likes of Felipe Nasr, Sam Bird Johnny Cecotto and Alexander Rossi all muscled their way around the Swede. As James Calado once again began catching race leader Jon Lancaster, Sam Bird and Johnny Cecotto collided at Turn 4 which saw the Briton loose several places to the likes of Mitch Evans and Alexander Rossi.
Despite the late surge from James Calado, the ART Grand Prix driver was unable to catch Jon Lancaster who stormed to his second consecutive sprint race victory in imperious fashion at the front. The British duo were followed by the Racing Engineering of Fabio Leimer, who was being hunted down by Felipe Nasr in the closing stages. Although Stefano Coletti failed to score any points in his Rapax, the Monegasque ace remains in the lead of the Drivers’ Championship as the Series heads to Budapest for the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
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