Motorland Aragn Race 2
Unlucky in race 1, Will Stevens (Fortec Motorsport), twice pole-sitter this weekend, put things to right today by driving to victory in the second race of Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 at Motorland Aragn. Leader from start to finish, the British driver prevailed over rivals Carlos Sainz Jr. (Koiranen Motorsport) and Robin Frijns (Josef Kaufmann Racing). The Spaniard leaves Motorland Aragon, where 56,000 spectators turned out this weekend, topping the overall standings in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, ahead of Robin Frijns.
Will Stevens was in outstanding form again in qualifying on Sunday morning, claiming his second consecutive pole position, ahead of Carlos Sainz Jr. The two men lined up side by side on the front row, with Robin Frijns and Timmy Hansen (Junior Interwetten.com Team) on row 2.
The start of the race was a quieter affair than race 1 yesterday! Pole-sitter Will Stevens got through turn 1 in the lead ahead of Carlos Sainz, Jr., Robin Frijns, Timmy Hansen and Daniil Kvyiat (Koiranen Motorsport), the latter executing a daring overtaking move to get past Felix Serralls (Fortec Motorsport) in braking at the end of the long straight. The Puerto Rican ran off, taking with him Alex Riberas (Epic Racing) and Oscar Andr Tunjo (Josef Kaufmann Racing).
While Will Stevens, Carlos Sainz Jr. and Robin Frijns pulled away from the rest of the pack, in fourth, Timmy Hansen did his best to contain Daniil Kvyat and Javier Tarancon (Tech 1 Racing). All eyes were on the battle between these three drivers. Javier Tarancon looked for an opening, but Daniil Kvyat effectively closed all the doors.
Halfway into the race, the pecking order became clearer. Gaps of around two seconds separated the three leaders, Will Stevens, Carlos Sainz Jr. and Robin Frijns. Fourth placed Timmi Hansen had pulled a few lengths clear of duo Daniil Kvyat / Javier Tarancon. Come Ledogar (R-Ace Grand Prix) was firmly installed in seventh, while Norman Nato (R-Ace Grand Prix), Paul-Loup Chatin (Tech 1 Racing) and Enrique Martins (Cram Competition) fought it out for eighth.
Will Stevens got his revenge over lady luck to cross the finish line first. The Fortec Motorsport driver was joined on the podium by the top two in the overall standings, Carlos Sainz Jr. and Robin Frijns.
Quotes
Will Stevens: "I was really disappointed to have to retire yesterday, so it was important for me to come back with another pole position this morning. Our car was very effective this weekend, so I knew that if I got a good start, I would be able to build up a gap. Im very familiar with the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, so hopefully we'll be in good shape there too."
Carlos Sainz Jr.: "It's a good start to the season for me, but Ive got to keep a cool head. This is just the beginning ... Fortec Motorsport and Josef Kaufman Racing are there, and the others arent far off the mark. We must remain calm and work seriously. Being in the lead today doesnt put me under more pressure, the pressure will come the day the championship moves into the end-game!"
Robin Frijns: "For our first weekend in the discipline for the team Josef Kaufmann Racing, we can be satisfied. Two podiums for me is definitely positive. Next time we'll be at Spa-Francorchamps, my favourite circuit. I am very familiar with this track, so Im looking forward to it!"
