The Räikkönen Robertson Racing Formula BMW Europe team enjoyed a strong outing at the Spa-Francorchamps round of the 2008 season, with all three of the team’s cars coming home in the top 11 in race two. 

Carlos Huertas led home the team in sixth place, while Michael Christensen was 10th and Rupert Svendsen Cook 11th.  A seventh place in race one for Christensen extends the 18 year-olds lead in the rookie championship to ten points, with two races to go.   

The competitive junior series, which sees young drivers from around the world race at F1 events in Europe, takes in some of the most challenging circuits in the world.   Taking part in rounds 13 and 14 of the season at Sap-Francorchamps, the team made a strong start in Friday practice, with Huertas third, Christensen fifth and Svendsen-Cook ninth.   

As the team lined up for race one, Svendsen-Cook took his place in his ninth place grid spot, with Christensen 12th and Huertas 14th.  In dry conditions, the 27 strong field headed towards the first corner with all three Double R drivers making it round the first lap safely.  Michael Christensen went on to lead the team home, the Dane crossing the line in seventh place, Svendsen-Cook was 12th, while Carlin Huertas was 15th.   

 Lining up on Sunday morning for race two, Huertas was the top Double R car in seventh place, while Svendsen-Cook 14th with Marcus Christensen 22nd following a difficult qualifying session.   

A multi-car incident at the start of race one took out a number of drivers, and brought out the safety car.  All three Double R drivers made it round safely though, with Huertas moving up to second place, while behind him Svendsen- Cook was 11th and Christensen had moved up to 16th, having started 22nd on the grid.  Christensen continued to make good progress when racing recommenced, and was 14th by lap four.  By lap six Christensen was 12th, with team mate Svendsen-Cook directly behind in 13th. 

The racing action continued to the final lap, with Christensen and Svendsen-Cook moving up to 10th and 11th respectively.   Team mate Huertas meanwhile, came under attack from a number of drivers and crossed the line in sixth place.      

Team Principal Anthony Hieatt added, “Overall I’m pleased with the way the team performed this weekend.  Michael had a few problems in qualifying but made up for it with a strong race performance, which has extended his lead in the rookie championship.  Carlos has been back on form this weekend, while Rupert had his best ever qualifying result.  The team head to Monza for the season finale next weekend, where we’ll be aiming to end the season on a high and clinch the rookie championship.”