The DAMS team scored a 3rd place in the first of the Asian GP2 Series Championship races on the Sakhir circuit. Kamui Kobaysahi started from 5th on the grid to take a fighting 3rd place when the flag fell. It was his 2nd rostrum finish of the season.
His team-mate, Jérôme d’Ambrosio, was less fortunate. The DAMS drivers were following each other at the front of the pack when the team called them in to refuel at the same time because of the safety car’s appearance on the track. The Belgian then had a slight coming-together, but rejoined and finished 11th after a hard-charging drive.
Kamui and Jérôme will start race 2 from 6th and 11th places on the grid. The team is determined to take advantage of any race incidents to add to the 6 points scored today.
Eric Boullier, team manager: “We’re very happy to finish on the rostrum today; it was our aim and we achieved it thanks to Kamui. But we’re disappointed we didn’t do better with Jérôme. Our drivers were following each other when the safety car came out, and we had no choice but to bring them in to refuel at the same time. To put it off for another lap would have been disastrous. It’s a great pity as we could have scored more points today - but that’s racing.”
Kamui Kobayashi: 5th in qualifying – 3rd in the race – 6th on tomorrow’s grid
“I’m very happy with my second rostrum finish after my win in Sepang. We’re now one of the best teams in the field, and I’m over the moon with the progress we’ve made since the start of the season. I can’t wait for tomorrow’s race, and I reckon another rostrum finish is on the cards.”
Jérôme d’Ambrosio: 7th in qualifying – 11th in the race – 11th on the grid for tomorrow’s race
“Of course, I’m disappointed. But the team made the right decision. If I hadn’t come in at the same time as Kamui, I’d have been even further down the classification when I rejoined. I was looking at a good performance and a few points today, but even so I’m not discouraged. I’m eleventh on tomorrow’s grid. I’m not giving up and I’ll do my level best to get into the top six.”
Jean-Paul Driot, Team Principal: “Today, DAMS showed once again its professionalism and cohesion. I’m satisfied with the result and proud of everyone’s attitude. Now, we’ve got to concentrate on tomorrow’s race as there are points for the taking!”
