DAMS came away empty handed from the second GP2 Series Championship race this weekend, a curtain raiser to the British F1 Grand Prix. The team’s aim was to score points in the short race despite difficult weather conditions. The track was soaking wet at the start and unfortunately, like yesterday neither Kamui Kobayashi nor Jérôme d’Ambrosio was able to add to his tally.
Kamui made a magnificent comeback. The Japanese driver started from 25th place and by half distance he had fought his way up to 6th. Then with just a few hundred metes to go to the finish he was unable to avoid another spinning car and hit it. He tried to make it to the line on 3 wheels but was overtaken and saw the flag just outside the points in 7th position.
Jérôme was 9th on the grid and then an off sent him tumbling down the field. He then fought his way up from 17th to 12 place.
To sum up, DAMS did not score points this weekend despite its drivers being among the quickest. Its aim at Hockenheim in 2 weeks time will be to unlock its potential and fight among the front-runners.
Eric Boullier, team manager: “It’s been a very trying weekend as we were among the quickest teams, but we were unable to turn this into points. Once again Kamui drove an exceptional race today and he failed to score due to circumstances completely beyond his control. There’s not a lot to be said except that we’ll now concentrate on Hockenheim, and try and put our recent setbacks behind us.”
Kamui Kobayashi25th on the grid, collision on the last lap, 7th overall
“This weekend I could have been on the podium twice but due to electrical problems yesterday and a driver who harpooned me today I’ll leave here empty handed. It’s very frustrating but what can you do? I’m not the kind of guy who dwells on setbacks; I prefer to look ahead and really concentrate on throwing all my strength into the battle at Hockenheim.”
Jérôme d’Ambrosio9th on the grid, 12th at the finish
“I made a good start and I reckoned I could score points. Unfortunately, I was hit on lap one and that spoiled all my chances. I did my best to bring the car home to the finish, but it was impossible to make up for lost time and score some points.”
