DAMS on the world stage

This weekend DAMS took part in the 2008 Formula BMW World Finals on the Mexico City circuit, and crossed the Atlantic with two drivers, Frenchman Jim Pla, who has driven for the team all season in the European Formula BMW Series, and Serbian Velibor Jovanovic.

Straight away, Jim showed that the team meant business by winning the Super Pole on his maiden outing in the Formula BMW World Finals. Unfortunately, the rest of the weekend did not follow the same pattern in the 3 pre-finals. In the first, Jim finished seventh after being hit. In the second, he jumped the start, received a penalty and he crossed the line in seventeenth place. In the last one, he came home fifth. His combined results gave him eighth place on the grid for the final, and despite his best efforts that was where he stayed until the chequered flag.

Velibor soon got to grips with his car despite his lack of experience. He steadily improved over the three days and finished the weekend in nineteenth place.

Eric Boullier, team manager: “For the team’s first participation in these finals I think we’ve got every reason to be satisfied with our result. Jim’s super pole showed our competitiveness in the face of seasoned opposition, and it could have resulted in a superb performance if he hadn’t been hit in the first pre-final. The fact that he jumped the start in the second one also handicapped him, and the remaining events left us with a feeling of unfilled promise. This being said we prefer to stress the positive aspects of the weekend - and there are many!”

Jim Pla: “During my European season in Formula BMW I often explained that I had to fine-tune my qualifying to do better in the races. My super pole shows I’ve done a good job! In the heats, things didn’t turn out quite as well. One thing is certain, the weekend allowed me to measure myself against a large number of rivals, and I didn’t suffer in comparison!”

Velibor Jovanovic: “I really appreciated racing this weekend with DAMS, whose professionalism impressed me. I tried to do my best to get the maximum out of the opportunity I was given, and I think I’ve gained in experience thanks to these three days. Once again a big thank you to the team!”


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