Budapest, race 2:
In Sunday morning’s short race counting for the 2008 GP2 Series Championship, a supporting event for the Hungarian F1 Grand Prix, DAMS came away empty-handed. After a difficult course yesterday, Jérôme d’Ambrosio started from 9th on the grid while his team-mate Kamui Kobayashi was 2 places further back.
At the start of the formation lap the car in front of Jérôme stalled and the Belgian driver was blocked and unable to start. He was pushed to the pit lane from which he joined the race. This meant he had no chance of scoring any points. Nonetheless, he showed his speed and held the quickest lap until a few minutes from the end being beaten by just 01.s. A mechanical problem led to his retirement near the finish.
Kamui, had a trouble-free race but was unable to score any points on a circuit where overtaking is well nigh impossible. He finished eighth.
Eric Boullier, team manager: “At present, we seem to have attracted more than our fair share of bad luck. After a blocked wheel nut yesterday, another car’s problems at the start of the formation lap ruined Jérôme’s race. It’s a great shame as he had the speed to really shine this weekend. Kamui did his best but he was unable to finish in the top six. This weekend’s overall result has been disappointing, but we mustn’t give up. Once again we had the potential to fight at the front. That shows the team’s professionalism, and I’d like to thank them all for their unceasing effort.”
Jérôme d’Ambrosio9th on the grid, retired
“It was a frustrating race as I wasn’t able to fight my corner. But I prefer to concentrate on the positive aspects of the weekend. I’ve been very quick on the Hungaroring and I was on the pace of the leaders. It’s encouraging for the rest of the season, and I’m determined to be as fast in Valencia in three weeks time.”
Kamui Kobayashi11th on the grid, 8th at the finish
“I ran into brake and tyre problems this weekend and that didn’t make life easy. I’m going to put Budapest’s poor showing behind me, and my aim will be to finish on the rostrum in Spain in the next round of the championship.”
