Chris van der Drift scored important points in the World Series Formula Renault 3.5 yet again. The 25 year old Kiwi slipstreamed towards a fourth and sixth place at the Italian circuit Monza. "The car felt great and the cooperation with the team went is getting stronger", says Van der Drift.
Van der Drift was asked to drive for the team Mofaz Racing just a week prior to the start of the season. He agreed to race during at least two events, but thanks to strong results - including a podium finish in Spa-Francorchamps - the team wanted him in the car for Monza and also for the prestigious race in Monaco in 12 days.
SlipstreamingSlipstreaming has always been an essential factor on the long straights of Monza. It forms an important part in qualifying in order to start the races in front. Van der Drift secured an eight place for race one and qualified sixteenth for the second race. "After the first set of tires we were sitting in 7th but we went out too early on track for the second set of tires. I was on my flying laps while others were warming up. This defiantly was not in my favor", explained Van der Drift. But he was determined in doing a great job during the races.
PointsThanks to overtaking and consistent lap times, Van der Drift drove from eight to fourth in race one. The same applied for the second race. While others made mistakes, Van der Drift stayed cool. "A few drivers made a jump start. I waited and then got away fast", says Van der Drift who started from sixteenth on the grid. He made up many places during the first laps and was on charge for a position within the top ten. At the end of the race he was battling for seventh. "I overtook another driver during the last lap. That was a nice move", says Van der Drift who eventually was classified sixth after another competitor received a time penalty.
ConfidentVan der Drift was very satisfied about the car. He only misses some outright top speed. "Overtaking should be easy on this track thanks to slipstreaming, but it was sometimes difficult for me. The car was very fast in the corners, but missed straight line speed basically the raw speed out of the turns. The engine just isn't strong enough", explains Van der Drift. "The car felt really smooth all weekend and was fun to drive. Also the cooperation with my engineer was excellent and I want to thank the team and sponsors for another opportunity to drive", says Van der Drift.
Chris van der Drift's next race will be in two weeks as the World Series Formula Renault 3.5 will be part of the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monaco. "I like street circuits, so with our competitive car I'm really confident in bringing home some good points", promises Van der Drift.
Chris thanks his team and sponsors making this race weekend possible. He is proudly supported by: Stockholm Fashion, Vision Racer, Titan Meats, Alla Fonte, Wang Selamat, MIS Race Insurance, Real and Giltrap Group.
