In hot conditions here in Monza, the first of the two GP2 races this weekend, got off to a thrilling start with plenty going on within the first few corners! Several cars didn’t manage to squeeze through the busy traffic resulting in a safety car on the first lap. Super Nova’s Adam Carroll was called in for a full set of new tyres during this period, and unfortunately lost time because of a problem in the pits. He drove a great race however and ended 5th in the 32-lap race, within the points, and positioning himself fourth for tomorrows sprint race.

Giorgio Pantano got off to a slow start, but dominated the circuit with his quick speeds. The Super Nova team made a swift pit stop before Giorgio cut through the first chicane after attempting to overtake Vilander. For this he had to make a drive through penalty as he had gained on his time, leaving the pit lane in seventh. He climbed back up to finish 6th behind teammate Adam.Kovalainen made his 5th victory this season followed in by ART’s Rosberg and HiTech Piquet’s Nelson Piquet Jnr to make the podium finish.

Giorgio Pantano 1:36.049 (P6)“I think we had a good race today, and did a very good job. I made a mistake at the start, pressing the pit limit button, which meant I didn’t get away fast and had to start from the back. Anyway we had a very good strategy, and a good chance for podium finish. Unfortunately on the first chicane, while I was overtaking Vilander, I locked up & lost that opportunity. I start 3rd for tomorrow’s race, and I’m feeling positive for a very good result.”

Adam Carroll 1:37.184 (P5)“Considering where I had to start, we had a really good race today to finish in fifth. I’m pleased that we are in good positioning for tomorrows race, and it’s great to score some valuable points.”

Team Principal – David Sears“What an exciting race for the Super Nova Team today in Monza! Giorgio Pantano couldn’t select first gear on the line, and went off second from last on the first lap. However several accidents took place ahead of him, including Nico Rosberg pushing off his team mate Premat. Giorgio got his head down and started lapping quicker than anyone else in the race. With a swift pit stop he was looking good for third place, but as he out braked a back marker at the first chicane, he locked up, and went up the escape road, and gained 0.8second on his lap time. The stewards decided to give Giorgio a drive through penalty, which put him back to 7th place, but he finally got 6th place at the end. Adam Carroll had a slow pit stop early in the race but drove very strongly, overtaking many cars having started in 24th place after problems in qualifying. Adam ended up in 5th place and has closed within 8 points of Premat in the driver championship. Giorgio and Adam will start in third and fourth place for tomorrows race, and either of them could win it, having shown speed on the track today. ”