Racing Engineering has obtained its second podium thisseason in one of the most thrilling and exciting races in thischampionship so far. A great race for young Borja Garciaresulted in an excellent 3rd position.
Borja Garcia, the 2004 Spanish Formula 3 Champion, definitelyproved his talent during Saturday’s GP2 race at the Istanbul Park circuit.
Borja’s first podium this year was based on racing abilities, strengthand strong will. With only two laps remaining in the race Borja did thealmost impossible: courageously overtaking the fast and alwaysunpredictable Piquet on the outside of a corner – in an all or nothingcharge to the podium - Borja didn’t want to settle for 4th position; he wanted to see his name in the top three, a place where he belongs.
Neel Jani’s race, however, ended suddenly in the last corner of thefirst lap. The Swiss driver suffered a severe accident at the pit laneentry, damaging his car. Neel was unable to steer his GP2 car andkeep it on track shortly before the impact; it is most likely that another driver hit him from behind.
After obtaining his first podium in the GP2 Series a happy BorjaGarcia stated, “Everything went really well during the first laps. I had a good start, overtaking Bruni. When the safety car came out on lap2 my team called me into the pits immediately. From that moment onthe only little inconvenience was Mathias Lauda, who was ahead ofme and slower than me. When I tried overtaking him, I went off thetrack a bit and, instead of gaining a position, I lost two. However, inthe end I passed him and from that moment on I went faster andfaster. I overtook Alvarez and, with three laps remaining, I ran in 4thposition. I saw a possibility to overtake Piquet on the outside of acorner and moved further up into 3rd position. I am really happy forme and my team, as they have all made a great job and worked hardto make this possible”.
After his accident Neel Jani commented, “Not much to saytoday. At the end of lap 1 I just went straight as I couldn't steeranymore. I don't know, if someone has hit me from behind; it wasreally strange. I hit the barrier at the entry of the pitlane and my race was over”.
At the end of the day Alfonso de Orleáns-Borbón announced,“Absolutely fantastic job by Borja! Both team strategy and Borja'sabilities allowed this fantastic podium by such a talented driver. Ithank the whole team for the wonderful work done."
Race 1 Classification:
1. A. Premat ART Grand Prix 1:01:27:6802. G. Pantano Super Nova International +0.3363. B. Garcia Racing Engineering +9.4864. N. Piquet Jr. Hitech Piquet Sports +10.9875. S. Speed iSport International +13.0766. J. Lopez DAMS +18.4497. A. Carroll Super Nova International +19.5588. H. Yoshimoto BCN Competicion +21.1289. O. Pla DPR +21.61510.H. Kovalainen Arden International +28.630
