after strong run in Valencia

Brazilian remains in thick of title fight after bizarre Spanish street race

Bruno Senna was on course for a strong fourth place in the first GP2 Series race at the new Valencia street circuit, but his iSport Dallara was one of several cars to run out of fuel on the final lap.

Senna started the race eighth and made strong progress during the early stages to move up to fifth. He lost a little time in traffic after making his mandatory tyre stop, but he remained a safe fifth until the final lap, when race (and championship) leader Giorgio Pantano ran out of fuel. Bruno duly swept past the Italian... only to suffer the same problem himself moments later. He made it across the finishing line, but was classified ninth after losing several spots as he coasted to the flag.

Bruno Senna:

“These things happen. I was really happy with my pace in the opening stages of the race – I pulled off several strong passing moves, settled into a good rhythm and things were going well.“I had no warning at all about the fuel problem. If the engine had spluttered during the previous lap I’d have backed off, because I had plenty I hand over the next car, but it cut very suddenly and that was that. I’m not too despondent, though: Giorgio and I both suffered the same problem, the title race remains wide open and I’m confident I can score a good result tomorrow. It will be hard work from ninth on the grid, but it’s achievable.”