Same scenario ...

DAMS competed in both free practice and qualifying for the fifth round of the 2008 GP2 Series Championship on the Silverstone circuit. Kamui Kobayashi and Jérôme d’Ambrosio started their weekend by getting to grips with the very fast Northamptonshire track and finished free practice in 5th and 16th positions.

A couple of hours later they tackled qualifying. Unfortunately, it was the same scenario as at Magny-Cours two weeks earlier because neither of the DAMS drivers managed to find a clear lap. They were hindered by traffic and were unable to show their speed ending up in 9th (Kamui) and 14th (Jérôme) places respectively.

These positions on the grid do not conform to the team’s expectations, but it is still hoping for a place in the first eight tomorrow. Rain is forecast and DAMS will do its best to take maximum advantage of the potentially difficult track conditions.

Eric Boullier, team manager: “As in France two weeks ago our grid positions do not reflect our potential. Kamui and Jérôme both had the speed to set much quicker times today so we’re rather disappointed. There’s no use crying over split milk, though! We’ve got to concentrate on this weekend’s two races and not let slip any opportunity to score points.”

Jérôme d’Ambrosio16th in free practice, 14th in qualifying

“I’m a bit disappointed as by putting together my best sector times I’d have been much higher up the grid. Unfortunately, I got held up in traffic and I didn’t have a clear lap. It’s a pity but I’ll do my utmost to take advantage of tomorrow’s conditions, which look like being wet, to get the best out of the situation.»

Kamui Kobayashi5th in free practice, 9th in qualifying

“It’s Magny-Cours all over again. I had the pace and the rhythm to get into the top four in qualifying, but I was unable to make the most of them because of the traffic. It’s frustrating but there’s nothing I can do about it. Tomorrow’s aim will be the podium, and with our motivation and our strategy we should be able to achieve this.”