The second race of the 9th round of the 2008 GP2 Series Championship, part of the Belgian F1 Grand Prix meeting, took place yesterday on the magnificent Spa-Francorchamps circuit in the Ardennes.
After Saturday’s frenetic event DAMS drivers Jérôme d’Ambrosio and Kamui Kobayashi started from pole and 9th place on the grid. Once again the weather conditions were very changeable and all the cars started on slicks on a damp track.
Jérôme made a perfect getaway and came out of the first corner in the lead. Despite the treacherous track and a safety car period the Belgian held on to his place until the final lap. Unfortunately, he was overtaken in the closing metres, and finished the race in 2nd place scoring 5 points that bring his total to 18. He is now 12th in the drivers’ ratings.
Kamui got the best out of the race incidents to move up the time sheets and crossed the finishing line in 6th place. But a penalty imposed by the stewards after the race deprived him of the final point.
Today, DAMS has moved up a place in the teams’ classification to 8th with 27 points. The final round of the 2008 GP2 Series Championship will take place on the Monza circuit in Italy in a week’s time.
Eric Boullier, team manager: “We were very disappointed after Friday’s qualifying but we’ve really made up for it. During yesterday’s race Jérôme’s consistency and aggressiveness gave him a point and pole for today’s event. He wasn’t intimidated by the difficult weather conditions and his rostrum finish is thoroughly deserved. Kamui who made a good comeback was less lucky. We thought that he too would score some points today but a penalty decided otherwise. Our aim now is to prepare for the Monza event in the best possible manner and finish our season on a high note.”
Jérôme d’Ambrosio1st on the grid, 2nd at the finish
“Two rostrum finishes in two races is an excellent result that is a big reward for the whole team and all the effort they’ve put in over the past few weeks. I’m happy to have shone in front of my home crowd, as it’s a very special feeling. The conditions were difficult and the slightest error could have proved fatal. I’m satisfied not to have made any mistakes. In addition, I’ve scored points for the fourth time on the trot! Things are getting better and better after an unlucky and difficult start to the season, so I’m very optimistic about the final weekend of the championship.”
Kamui Kobayashi9th on the grid, 6th at the finish plus a 25-second penalty
“I got back up to sixth place and I thought I scored a point until I was called to see the stewards. I accept their decision but overall I’m disappointed with my weekend. I hope I’ll be able to show our potential at Monza and finish the championship with a flourish!”
