DAMS and Kevin Magnussen open up a gap in Austria

The French team enjoyed a very positive weekend in warm sunlight in the bucolic Austrian countryside. Kevin Magnussen shone and scored two third places in the two races regaining the lead in the drivers' championship and opening up a comfortable gap of 27 points over his nearest pursuer, Stoffel Vandoorne, while DAMS is back in first place in the teams' ratings. Although Norman Nato was less fortunate he again showed his speed and his character. Success is just around the corner!

Podium: Second place Nigel Melker, winner Marco Sorensen and third place Kevin Magnussen

Photo by: DPPI

The outcome of race 1 was decided at the start. Kevin lost a place and then drove a very intelligent race taking into account the glitches that hit his closest rivals. Unfortunately, his French team-mate was caught up in a collision involving Sirotkin and had to retire.

It was the same story on Sunday as Sorensen clinched his second pole of the weekend. Magnussen was third on the grid and Nato sixth after a very promising performance. Again the start was crucial and Sorensen made an impeccable getaway while Magnussen pulled back a place by overtaking Dutchman Nigel Melker who was tagged by another car.

The DAMS Danish driver closed the gap to Sorensen and tried to find an opening. He realised this was impossible and proved his maturity by settling for second place and the big points that went with it until the finish. Unluckily, he was hit with a penalty, following the overtaking of Melker beyond the track limit, which dropped him back to third.

Nato had a good race until a daring overtaking maneuver cost him several places and he saw the flag in tenth spot.

François Sicard, Managing Director: "Yet another good performance from the team which deserves congratulations. The cars were quick all weekend and we took advantage of race incidents, which cost our closest rivals a big haul of points. This happened to us a few weeks back so nothing is ever set in stone! Bravo to Kevin who again showed his speed and his maturity. Lady Luck still hasn't smiled on Norman, but when he gets everything together he'll be in the top five on a regular basis."

Kevin Magnussen: "It's been a great weekend for me and for the team. The car was quick and everything went off perfectly even if the heat was very tiring while my rivals didn't have much luck. I just concentrated on my races and although we're now in a strong position in the championship, the battle's still very tight and we'll have to keep on working. We're going to enjoy a bit of holiday before the next race!"

Norman Nato: "My main feeling this weekend is frustration. The car was good but I was unable to convert my potential into results. I could have done better in the two qualifying sessions and in the races too. The first ended in a collision that I simply couldn't avoid. In the second I lost a little time coming away from my pit stop and then I put a couple of wheels on the grass when I was overtaking, which dropped me down the time sheets. I'm continuing to learn and I'm going to put these lessons to good use in the next round."

DAMS