The GP2 Sunday sprint race had to commence with a rolling start behind the safety car after the lights failed to work. Several cars had to be restarted on the grid after the false start, including Super Nova’s Giorgio Pantano, who spent the majority of the race trying to overtake Monfardini to move into second. He managed to pass him, but had to use the same escape road as he did yesterday, which pushed him back again until eventually he whipped passed him to claimed his finishing position and another podium in third.
Adam Carroll got off to a good start, but got hit by Rosberg in an unfortunate overtaking manoeuvre, which lead to Adam’s exhaust coming off on the next lap, and losing power. However he managed to cross the finish line in sixth to be awarded one championship point.
Jani took the lead from the start and took the chequered flag today with a best lap of 1:36.871. Following him was Nico Rosberg claiming second place for ART, and Super Nova’s own Giorgio Pantano taking third.
Giorgio Pantano (P3)“We had a safety car start today which was a little unlucky for me, as I find that standing starts are a lot better. However it was a good race, and a good weekend in general apart from qualifying. Today I didn’t feel the power of the engine as much, so I kept in the tow. However the team have been doing a great job and this is all we can do!”
Adam Carroll (P6)“I felt like it could have been a good race for me today. As the race started the car seemed to be getting better. However unfortunately Nico Rosberg hit me really hard on the second chicane, and broke my exhaust, bending it closed. This caused me to lose power, which eventually lead to me finish in 6th.”
Team Principal – David Sears“After the starting lights failed the first lap was started behind the safety car. Giorgio Pantano tried for several laps to overtake Monfardini for second place, but unfortunately Giorgio out braked at the end of the straight and went up the same escape road as yesterday! He recovered to overtake Monfardini and claim third place at the flag. Adam Carroll had an eventful race, having a big fight with Rosberg for 5th place. Rosberg hit the back of Adam’s car at the second chicane and Adam dropped back with a broken exhaust, but managed to finish in 6th place and claim a point.
The Super Nova has strengthened its third place in the team championship and Adam Carroll and Giorgio Pantano are 6th and 7th in the driver’s championship. But with four races to go they should be capable of both finishing in better positions in the top six.”
