Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 - Nürburgring - Race 2
Epsilon Euskadis Albert Costa hadnt tasted victory since the second meeting of the season at Spa-Francorchamps.
Having won both races in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, the Catalan driver has put an end to his dry spell and finds himself back at the top of the championship table. He will arrive for the final showdown at Motorland Aragon with a two-point lead over SG Formulas Jean-ric Vergne, currently second. These results are nevertheless provisional. According to article 152 of the International Sporting Code, Motopark Academys Antonio Felix da Costa and Kevin Magnussen are authorized to start the race, but will not feature in the final results, following an appeal entered by their team against their disqualification for technical irregularities after the SuperPole session. The results of this race, as with that of the previous day are on-hold pending a judgment.
Having qualified in pole position, Kevin Magnussen was relegated four positions on the start grid as a penalty for dangerous driving in the first race. He therefore started fifth on the grid behind Jean-ric Vergne, while Albert Costa was handed pole position, in front of Antonio Felix da Costa. Albert Costa entered the first corner in the lead successfully holding off da Costa and Vergne.
Meanwhile in the pack, SG Formulas Hugo Valente and Motopark Academys Luis Derani were forced to retire. From the first few laps onwards, Costa began to build his lead, with da Costa not far behind. Jean-ric Vergne was kept busy trying to fend off Epsilon Euskadis Carlos Munoz. The fight for fifth between Kevin Magnussen, Epsilon Euskadis Natanal Berthon, SG Formulas Miki Monras, Epsilon Euskadis Miguel Otegui, and Motopark Academys Kuba Giermaziak and Marco Sorenson was no less spectacular.
With amazing consistency, Albert Costa set one fastest time after another, continuing to build his lead with lap. Jean-ric Vergne was busy holding Carlos Munoz at bay, but the Frenchman also decided to raise his game. In fifth, Magnussen led the chasing pack, which was still a close as could be. Miguel Otegui was the catalyst within the group, dislodging Natanal Berthon from 7th place. Berthon soon gave way to an attempt by Giermaziak. Just four seconds separated Otegui in 7th from Jenzer Motorsport's Nico Mller in 14th. Cool, calm and collected, Costa claims his fifth win of the season, and leaves Nurburgring as the leader of the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 championship.
As stipulated by Article 152 of the International Sporting Code, neither Antonio Felix da Costa nor Kevin Magnussen will feature in the results for this race. Accordingly, Jean-Eric Vergne claims 2nd place and Carlos Munoz 3rd, with Miki Monras is 4th and Miguel Otegui 5th. Jean-Eric Vergne is now just two points adrift from Albert Costa. All these results are subject to the appeal submitted by Motopark Academy.
Quotes
Albert Costa: Today was a real victory! We need to do just as well at Motorland Aragon for the final. We've got one month to get ready for the meeting. But for now, Im just going to enjoy the weekend a little before I get down to work and concentrate on the final. I want to win the championship, but its going to be tight!
Jean-Eric Vergne: I had a brush with Kevin Magnussen at the start right at mid-corner. There was no damage to the car, but I jarred my neck so I wasn't on top form during the race. Were second, thats maybe a good thing as it will force us to work even harder to prepare for Motorland Aragon!"
Carlos Munoz: Its my first podium, I'm really very happy. Its our reward for all our hard work. Id like to thank my team. I'm really pleased and now I want to do even better at the final meeting.
