POLE POSITION FIRST FOR INTERNATIONAL FORMULA MASTER
Today’s International Formula Master (IFM) qualifying at Oschersleben saw a fierce battle for pole position as the Series enters its final stages.
The first half of the session was dominated by points leader, Jerome D’Ambrosio, but as the minutes ticked by drivers gained ground on the Belgian until J.D. Motorsport’s Chris Van der Drift put in a stunning lap with four minutes to go.
His time of 1:22.073 in the Formula S2000 remained unbeaten for the rest of the 30-minute session giving the Dutch driver, who is currently sixth in the points, his first-ever IFM pole position.
Behind him, the next 16 drivers were within one second of each other at the German track with some surprising results as title contender Kasper Andersen failed to put in a competitive time, ending down in 20th after a trip into the gravel.
Alan Racing’s Pablo Sanchez Lopez also had a tough morning finishing 16th in the times. The result gives D’Ambrosio some breathing space as Sanchez Lopez is currently his closet rival in the title chase.
D’Ambrosio will start this afternoon’s race from third on the grid behind Scuderia Famà’s Luca Persiani in second.
Chris Van der Drift, J.D. Motorsport
“Qualifying today was the first time I could actually really drive the car properly because we didn’t run the car properly yesterday morning and it was wet in the afternoon. I pushed really hard and I’m so happy to finally get my first pole position.
“We have the speed for sure for the race and, if I get a good start, I’m very confident to get a race win.”
Luca Persiani, Scuderia Famà
“I was second in Pau so I’m very happy to repeat that success. Today the car was perfect though and I could have improved on my time but there were yellow flags.
“We will have great race pace later on.”
Jerome D’Ambrosio, Cram Competition
“I was first for most of the early session on my new tyres. I tried to improve on my time but the second set of tyres didn’t work that well. I’m still very happy to be third because I know we can go at least three-tenths quicker in the race.
“The team has done a fantastic job so far and I hope I can reward them with a victory later today.”
International Formula Master – Oschersleben
Provisional Qualifying (Round 11)
1. Chris Van der Drift (NED), J.D. Motorsport, 1:22.073
2. Luca Persiani (ITA), Scuderia Famà, 1:22.078
3. Jerome D’Ambrosio (BEL), Cram Competition, 1:22.121
4. Norbert Siedler (AUS), ADM Motorsport, 1:22.340
5. Salvatore Gatto (ITA), Promotorsport, 1:22.362
6. Rahel Frey (SWI), Jenzer Motorsport, 1:22.428
7. Marcello Puglisi (ITA), Promotorsport, 1:22.460
8. Arturo Llobell (ESP), Cram Competition, 1:22.567
Eurosport’s coverage of IFM’s sixth race weekend will begin Saturday 25 August with race one shown live at 12.15 on Eurosport 2 and Eurosport Asia-Pacific with delayed coverage on Eurosport from 00.30 (CET) onwards. Race two on Sunday will be broadcasted live from 10.15 (CET) on Eurosport 2 and Eurosport Asia-Pacific.
