The fight for the GP2 crown came alive again in Austria two weeks ago: the new venue saw Felipe Nasr and Johnny Cecotto triumph for the second time this season, the two men eager to show Series leader Jolyon Palmer that they were serious rivals. It was also the first time in 2014 that the Briton did not finish on the podium during a race weekend. Nevertheless, Palmer still scored precious points in both events and thus managed to keep Nasr and Cecotto at a distance.
Behind the mighty trio, this year’s first race winner Stoffel Vandoorne was back on track and on the rostrum, finally enjoying some points since the Bahrain Feature Race. But it was Racing Engineering’s duo that stole everyone’s thunder: first, rookie Raffaele Marciello who has become a force to be reckoned with. The Italian ace drove aggressively and flawlessly to pocket his first GP2 points and achieved two consecutive podiums. His teammate Stefano Coletti was also back into the light and on the rostrum. Both drivers are clearly on a mission to spoil Palmer’s, Nasr’s and Cecotto’s cruising to the title fight.
The fifth round of the 2014 season takes place this week at the heart of motorsport in Silverstone. The British track is famous for its challenging speed, high-downforce and long fast corners that cars frequently accelerate out of, meaning that both lateral and longitudinal forces are at work at the same time. As overtaking can be tricky in Silverstone, qualifying well and having a good strategy will be crucial. Pirelli have nominated Hard and Medium tyres.
Jolyon Palmer // DAMS“Silverstone is one of the best tracks in a lot of ways: the racing is always good there. They added a new loop a few years ago and there are some good overtaking places at the hairpins. It’s one of the fastest tracks on the calendar especially the old section with the old start-line and the old first sector. It is really challenging, good for racing and fun to drive!“Regarding the car’s set-up, it’s different to a lot of other tracks because there is not so much low speed. You have to find a good high-speed set-up. That’s the key. It’s different but all the GP2 teams have great experience there and everyone has a good idea of what to do.
“Tyre degradation is quite low which makes it more fun as well because with high speed you don’t have to worry about degradation so much. You can push all race-long and enjoy the track and the crowd. It’s the best crowd! It’s always a sell-out which is great. I’m really looking forward to going there as a Brit. It’s extra special and to come to my home track as Series leader is obviously perfect!”
THE TIMETABLE
Friday 4th JulyFree Practice 12.00 - 12.45Qualifying 15.55 – 16.25Press Conference 17.35Saturday 5th JulyPitlane opened 14.25Pitlane closed 14.30Feature Race start 14.40Press Conference 17.30Sunday 6th JulyPitlane opened 09.05Pitlane closed 09.10Sprint Race start 09.20
STATS65 Felipe Nasr has led the most laps so far this season.10 Johnny Cecotto scored Trident’s tenth GP2 win.25 Raffaele Marciello scored his first points (25) and first two podiums in Austria.2nd Lowest qualifying position for Jolyon Palmer this season.
NOTEWORTHYTwo driver changes:Danish Marco Sorensen replaces Tio Ellinas at MP Motorsport.Jon Lancaster replaces Facu Regalia at Hilmer Motorsport.Austria marked the first time this season that Jolyon Palmer did not finish on the podium.Palmer, Nasr and Cecotto have all won two races this season. Nasr is the only one to have not scored a pole position.Palmer has 5 podium finishes. Nasr has 4 podium finishes. Cecotto has 2 podium finishes.Five different race winners in 2014: Palmer, Nasr, Cecotto, Vandoorne, Richelmi.DAMS are leading Carlin in the teams’ standings, 149 points over 134 points.Venezuela GP Lazarus and Hilmer Motorsport are the only two teams to have yet to score points.Four teams without a podium in 2014: Hilmer Motorsport, MP Motorsport, Venezuela GP Lazarus and Campos Racing.Carlin and DAMS have scored the most podiums: six so far in 2014.
