SIMONA TAKES THE CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD
On Sunday, Simona de Silvestro scored her second victory of the season and the third of her career in the Atlantic Championship on the Miller Motorsport circuit in Milville New Jersey after starting from pole. The day before she finished second in the opening race. Simona was second quickest in free practice, and she then set the second time in qualifying for the first race on Saturday. She lost a place at the start as she went off course briefly finding herself fourth after a few laps. She pushed hard despite losing second gear, pulled back two places and crossed the line just behind the winner. On Sunday, she started from pole and controlled the race winning by 0.9s.
Simona”s second victory in the Cooper Tires Presents the Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda gives her the championship lead with 8 points in hand over the second-placed driver. Four out of the 12 rounds have been held.
Next event: Lakeville, Connecticut on 18th July 2009.
“AN ALMOST PERFECT WEEKEND”
How was your weekend?
SdeS: “It was almost perfect. On Saturday, I wasn’t at all satisfied with my second place in qualifying, and I worked very hard and snatched pole in the following session. The first race was a bit hectic, but I managed to limit the damage. I was fourth early on and then I passed two cars on a track on which overtaking isn’t easy. On Sunday, the race was easier to manage. Being on pole, I had to make a good getaway and then control the race. That’s what I did!”
Was it difficult to keep your rivals behind you?
SdeS: “Overtaking is really difficult on this circuit, but I knew that Summerton would go for it when we were passing tail-enders. Each lap I pushed like crazy without having any time to relax. My car was a bit understeery at the end of the race, though I think it was the same thing for everybody. I’m really delighted to have scored this victory, and I want to congratulate the whole team, as well as our engineers Burke Harrison and Gerald Tyler.”
Now that you’re leading the championship, do you find it a bit stressful?
SdeS: “No, not really. We’ve got the team and car to go to the end and win the championship. We just have to stay concentrated, not make any mistakes and take the races as they come. I’ve got an eight-point lead at present, which isn’t a lot. The aim is to increase the gap at the next round. Our objective is to be consistent podium finishers.”
