Yesterday the first race of the 10th and final round of the 2008 GP2 Series Championship took place on the mythic Monza circuit, home to the 2008 F1 Italian Grand Prix.
Like in Belgium last weekend both DAMS drivers Kamui Kobyashi and Jérôme d’Ambrosio had to cope with difficult weather conditions in free practice, qualifying and the race.
The start was given behind the safety car because of the waterlogged track with Jérôme in 19th place on the grid. He managed to make the most of the precarious grip conditions and his rivals’ mistakes to move up the classification. In addition, the team chose just the right moment to shod dry weather tyres and the Belgian used them to gain more places.
Kamui too put on an impeccable performance. Unfortunately, the Japanese driver was punted off the track by another competitor and had to retire when he was in 14th place. The driver in question is currently being investigated by the stewards.
Tomorrow, Jérôme and Kamui will start from 2nd and 22nd places on the grid for the short race, the final one of the 2008 GP2 Series. The team will be out to finish the season on a high note with a place on the rostrum.
Eric Boullier, team manager: “We had two components break on our chassis yesterday when our drivers attacked the kerbs, which explains our poor grid positions. Luckily, the defective parts were replaced during the night and we were able to take part in the race. This afternoon, we were determined to really go for it to climb up the time sheets and our strategy paid off with Jérôme. It could also have helped Kamui score points, but another car’s wheel decided otherwise. We’d love to finish the season tomorrow with a place on the rostrum. It would be a great reward for the whole team.”
Jérôme d’Ambrosio19th on the grid, 7th at the finish, 2nd on the grid for tomorrow’s race
“It’s been a difficult weekend and the track conditions have kept changing. We took the right decisions concerning our set-up and our strategy and they paid off as I scored points for the fifth time on the trot. I can move up another place in the championship if I finish in the top six tomorrow. I’m really determined to continue my points-scoring steak and end the season with a taste of the bubbly!”
Kamui Kobayashi18th on the grid, retired, 22nd on the grid for tomorrow’s race
“Yet another difficult race. I ended up in the gravel trap after contact with another car. It’s very frustrating but I couldn’t do anything about it. It’ll be difficult to finish in the top six tomorrow, but if it rains again then anything can happen.”
