DAMS consolidates its lead in GP2 championship

28th May 2012

The DAMS team had a strange weekend in Monaco. Overall, the team's car and drivers were very quick contrary to the results, and it was hit by bad luck on both Friday and today. However, on the bright side DAMS leaves the Principality having consolidated its lead in both championships compared to its direct rivals.

For the first time in Monaco qualifying was split up into two groups, and it got off to a good start as Davide Valsecchi was on the pace straight away. He made a small error on his second flying lap that dropped him back to seventh place on the grid. It was Felipe Nasr's maiden outing on the Monaco circuit, and despite going quicker and quicker he had to make do with seventeenth place.

The team adopted an out-of-sync strategy for the first heat, which its lead driver took full advantage of. The Italian delayed his pit stop and made a stunning finish to the race pulling back three places to see the flag in fourth spot. The Brazilian rookie's race was ruined at the green light because of a drive-through penalty for jumping the start.

Saturday afternoon was spoilt by a huge pile-up on the first lap. Davide fluffed his start and was then an unwitting victim of the accident triggered by Cecotto. A few meters behind, Felipe was caught out by the sudden braking in front of him, took off over Guerin's car and hit Cecotto's on landing! The car was wrecked – game over.

Jean-Paul Driot, CEO: "Although we didn't finish on the podium this weekend, it's not all negative. The car was quick, our pit stops were good and the team did a great job. Davide has increased his lead in the championship and Felipe made a lot of progress during the weekend on this unique circuit as his times prove. Let's now concentrate on the next round."

Davide Valsecchi: "The first race went off well. I made a good start, had a good pit stop and the right strategy. It's a pity I started so far back. In the sprint race, by fluffing my start I put myself in the position of being caught up in a collision and that's what happened. Despite all this, the positive aspect is that I'm still in the lead in the championship, and I'll do the necessary to qualify better for the next race."

Felipe Nasr: "Thirty minutes in free practice isn't enough to learn Monaco. I'm happy to have improved my times throughout the weekend. The result's disappointing but it's good experience for the next time in Monaco. I can't wait for the next round in Valencia."

Next event: Valencia 23rd -24th June

 

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