Dams, Formula BMW, Round 6, Valencia

Another podium

This weekend DAMS took part in the 2 races counting towards the Formula BMW Europe Championship in Valencia, which were part of the F1 European Grand Prix meeting. Kevin Breysse and Jim Pla used it to confirm their promising results in Budapest 3 weeks earlier.

Kevin set pole for round 1 and made an excellent start. He was controlling the race until an accident bent a steering arm on his car; he continued, nonetheless, and was battling for 3rd place when another collision forced him to retire. Jim Pla started from 14th position but was involved in an accident after only a few hundred metres. After repairs he rejoined and finished 19th.

Today, Kevin started from 2nd place on the grid. He fought off the attacks of his rivals but was forced to give way to his toughest pursuer and he finished 3rd. Jim Pla was given a 10-place penalty by the stewards after his collision yesterday and saw the flag in 18th spot after starting from 24th place.

Kevin leaves Valencia in 8th place in the drivers’ standings with 102 points while Jim is 25th. DAMS is still eighth in the teams’ championship with 107 points.

Next round: Spa-Francorchamps in 2 weeks’ time.

Eric Boullier, team manager: “Today Kevin confirmed the potential we glimpsed in Budapest 3 weeks ago. Hats off to him; he did a great job. Jim had a more difficult qualifying session and was unable to get away from the back-markers. When he starts from a bit higher up, he’s got the pace to score good results.”

Kevin Breysse: “I’m fairly happy with my weekend despite yesterday’s disappointment. We were on the pace from the start of free practice and we were battling with the front-runners. I could have been on the rostrum yesterday without problems and I was quick enough to win, but a collision put paid to my hopes. Today, I managed to get onto the podium for the second time in Formula BMW after Budapest. I really want to thank the team who worked very hard to repair my car last night.”

Jim Pla: “Unfortunately, my first race came to an abrupt halt, and because of the penalty I received it was impossible to aim for points in the second. It’s a weekend best forgotten. I’m going to concentrate on the next meeting where I hope to put on a good show.”


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