Dams, GP2 Series Valencia Review

25th June 2012

Davide Valsecchi and DAMS still in the frame

The 2012 championship is of a very high level and the outcome remains indecisive. Despite an excellent qualifying session the French team leaves Valencia empty handed. Davide Valsecchi still leads the drivers' ratings while DAMS is in the battle for the teams' title.

After a promising free session, qualifying confirmed the speed of both cars and drivers. Felipe Nasr stunned onlookers by setting the second-quickest lap only 7/1000s off pole. Valsecchi was fourth-quickest but was pushed back two places on the grid after a penalty in qualifying.

Unfortunately, the feature race, which was a chaotic one – three safety car interventions- turned into a nightmare for DAMS. Nasr had to retire with a broken damper throttle and Valsecchi was let down by his clutch. He fell back down the time sheets early on in the race before recovering from fourteenth to eighth place. Unfortunately, he passed the line just when the safety car was coming out, and the Italian was again penalised and could not take advantage of his pole position for the second race.

Today, the DAMS drivers started from far down the grid (17th and 19th places) and couldn't hope for miracles. Nasr set the fastest lap in the race (no points), further proof of his improvement.

Jean-Paul Driot, CEO: "It hasn't been a great weekend. We obviously had the speed but we were unable to turn it into a result. We must stay optimistic. From now on we have to display 100% reliability. The drivers also have to remain confident, and insofar as possible not get caught up in race incidents. That's how we can get back in front."

Davide Valsecchi: "It just wasn't our weekend. The car was quick but I had a clutch problem in the first race. If I'd started from pole in the second things could have been different. But that's how it goes. We have to stay concentrated and bounce back at Silverstone."

Felipe Nasr: "Another weekend without points. It's frustrating as the car's really fantastic. I see only the positive aspect: namely, the car's performance and my progression. I hope that we've finally got the monkey off our backs and that we can fight for victory in the next round."

Next round: Silverstone (G.B) 6-8 July

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