A scare and positive points for DAMS
Two podiums in two races as well as a spectacular accident on Sunday left DAMS with mixed emotions this weekend. However, the French team quits Sepang leading the teams' championship while Davide Valsecchi and Felipe Nasr are second and fifth in the drivers' ratings.
After his stunning pole the Italian fluffed his start in the first race handing victory to Luiz Razia. Davide was the quickest driver on the track as proved by his fastest lap in the race, and his second place augurs well for the future. Felipe Nasr made a brilliant debut rewarded by sixth place in the opening race among much more experienced GP2 drivers.
The Brazilian rookie showed it was no fluke in the sprint race on Sunday morning by taking a brilliant third place after a solid race. On the other hand, it was a nightmare for Valsecchi. On lap 13 he was harpooned by Marcus Ericsson and his car rolled. Luckily, he got out unscathed. Despite the loss of points in this incident, the result of the first weekend of the 2012 GP2 championship is positive as the cars and its drivers were very competitive throughout the weekend.
Jean-Paul Driot, CEO: "I'd like to congratulate the whole team for the excellent work this weekend. Pole position, podiums for Davide and Felipe on his first weekend in GP2. It's obvious that in terms of performance the car, the team and the drivers all have what it takes. With just a little more help from Lady Luck, victory will come very soon – let's hope in the next race!"
Davide Valsecchi: "My accident the second race is a real pity. But we know the car's quick. I'm still frustrated at letting victory slip through my grasp in the first heat. It was my fault as I fluffed my start. The whole team deserved it and I hope to make amends at the next round in Bahrain."
Felipe Nasr: "I'm really pleased with my first podium finish on my maiden GP2 appearance. It feels great! It rewards the work of the team whom I'd like to thank. We've got great potential and we're working in the right direction. I hope this podium will be followed by many others."
Next round: Bahrain, 21-22 April
Be part of Motorsport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
GP2 Round 11 in Abu Dhabi: The games are not over yet
Would the 'Super-GP2' proposal in F1 work?
Is GP2 still fit for purpose?
Crawford joins DAMS for 2024 F2 season after Red Bull split
Why Iwasa's F1 prospects look better than ever
Ranking the 10 best drivers who raced for DAMS
Wolff: Mercedes can't just keep living off F1 "bright spots"
Pourchaire eager for more IndyCar after “amazing” debut in Long Beach
Keselowski on Talladega runner-up finish: "We want wins"
Was Long Beach really Scott Dixon’s greatest IndyCar drive yet?
Why Alpine’s rigorous training camp yields telling insights into its juniors
Can F2's relaxed title favourite prove a point to Alpine?
Why F1's junior logjam isn't entirely a product of current issues
The brightest lights in F2's departing six-year warhorse
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments