But Ocean Racing Technology finishes out of the top 10
After a brilliant qualifying session where yellow flags prevented them from exploiting the full potential of their Dallara Renault, Ocean Racing Technology once again proved this afternoon in Istanbul that they have one of the fastest single-seaters on the grid of the GP2 Main Series where Álvaro Parente fought hard with the front runners and teammate Karun Chandhok recorded the fastest lap of the race. The team's Indian racer lined up on the third row of the grid for this afternoon's feature race, however he stalled on the grid, which forced him to carry out an aggressive race from 24th place, knowing that points would be out of his range. 14th at the finish, Karun was the author of the fastest lap of the race. Meanwhile, from 7th on the grid, teammate Álvaro Parente slowly but surely climbed up into the pecking order and was up into 2nd place when he lost control of his car in the fast left hander of Istanbul Park, turn 8, where the limitations of the car are at a maximum. Álvaro was in a crucial phase of his race after opening up a gap to his rivals due to a late pit stop. The driver of Ocean Racing Technology's car n°25 now regrets that his off track excursion has compromised his entire race weekend when his car had the potential to fight for the very top positions. For Chandhok, frustration was at the height of hopes born in free practice where Ocean Racing Technology finished in the first two places and of a good qualifying session. "Frustrating, that's the only word that pops up in my mind to describe our misfortunes. I fell back at the end of the field right at the start and from then on I gave my best to try and gain some positions. The car was very efficient and well balanced, it was clearly the fastest in the field. To clock the fastest lap of the race is a small consolation but it is a testimony to our competitiveness. On Sunday, I'll try to get into the top 10 as soon as possible and from there I'll see what I can do" Chandhok explained. Karun will start the second race from the 7th row of the grid and his aim is to try and secure at least one point. For Álvaro Parente, the mission will be even more complicated from down in 20th place.
