Missed opportunities for DAMS

Race 1 Report

DAMS competed in the first GP2 Series Championship race this weekend on the Silverstone circuit, one of the curtain raisers for the British F1 Grand Prix. The team’s aim was to score points despite unfavourable grid positions. Unfortunately, the dice didn’t fall in its favour as neither Kamui Kobayashi nor Jérôme d’Ambrosio got into the top 8 despite a good strategy and a couple of top-class drives.

Kamui made a blindingly quick start from 9th on the grid. He refuelled early on and fought his way up the time sheets by pushing like crazy and setting fastest lap after fastest lap. His race ended at half distance due to an electrical problem that caused his engine to cut out when he was lying 4th.

Jérôme d’Ambrosio also deserved better. He was 12th in the first corner, stopped early on and did not make any mistakes on one of the most demanding circuits in the championship. He crossed the line just outside the points in 9th place also missing pole for tomorrow’s race by a whisker.

Despite this frustrating result, the team will be out to get the best out of tomorrow’s potentially difficult track conditions and leave England with a few points.

Eric Boullier, team manager: “We’re all very disappointed not to have scored points here today. Kamui drove a great race and was among the quickest drivers on the track; he would have finished in a well-deserved fourth place had he not suffered a technical problem. Jérôme too has every reason to be pleased with his performance, and he crossed the finishing line just a few seconds off eighth place. It’s very annoying but we’ve got to put this setback behind us and prepare for tomorrow. The conditions may be difficult and we’ll do everything to make the most of them.”

Kamui Kobayashi9th on the grid, retired with engine failure, 25th on tomorrow’s grid.

“Yet another good result gone up in smoke! I was very much at home in the car and extremely competitive when a technical problem robbed me of a good result. The team bet on a strategy that was bearing fruit: it all looked very rosy until my race ended on the side of the track. It’s frustrating but what can you do? Just hope for better luck next time!”

Jérôme d’Ambrosio14th on the grid, 9th at the finish, 9th on tomorrow’s grid.

“On the one hand, I’m satisfied with my performance: starting from fourteen and finishing ninth isn’t a bad result. On the other, I finished just outside the points and that’s very frustrating after such an effort. Eighth would have given me pole for tomorrow’s race. It’s a pity but it’s not over yet. I can still aim for a place in the first six tomorrow and that’s my target.”


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