Bahrain International Circuit, Bahrain
GP2 Race One
Saturday 21st April 2012
An action-packed GP2 race this afternoon at the Bahrain International Circuit saw drivers jostling for position and a race full of overtaking and incidents.
Caterham Racing’s Venezuelan driver Rodolfo Gonzalez made a solid start and gained five positions on lap one, running 11th until he came in for his compulsory pit stop on lap14 after battling with severe rear tyre degradation and starting to lose pace. The pit crew completed a quick two tyre change but by then other drivers had made seen gains from their new tyres and Rodolfo rejoined further back, finally completing the 32-lap race in fifteenth position.
His team mate Giedo van der Garde was forced to retire on lap 16 after a troublesome race. His misfortune began on the grid when his anti-stall kicked in as he pulled away when the lights went out. He then made up several positions before an incident with another car pushed him off track and to the back of the field. He continued for several laps before the damage to his car finally forced him back into the pits for a second time and out of the race.
Caterham Racing Team Manager Phill Spencer: “Giedo had a poor start after his anti-stall held him up but then he drove well and made up some ground before he had a coming together Coletti which put him off the track and, ultimately, out of the race. In the other car Rodolfo had a strong start and a good run out there today. I am pleased for him but sadly rear tyre degradation cost him a few positions, but overall he did a good job. I am disappointed we haven’t taken any points today, but we will come back and fight hard in the race tomorrow.”
Rodolfo Gonzalez (P15 – Best lap 1:46.899) “I was up to P11 in the first lap and defending the position well. I felt like I was controlling the tyre degradation so as the cars around me began to pit we decided to stay out for a few more laps, but in hindsight we lost some time and positions as a result of staying out. However, I was pleased with the car today. It felt good until I was hit in the second half of the race and lost some downforce. It was definitely an eventful race and we are learning all the time so hopefully in future we will react better as the race unfolds. Now we move on to the next race in a positive frame of mind and make sure we come back fighting.”
Giedo van der Garde (DNF – Best lap 1:46.078) “My anti-stall came on whilst I was on the grid which ruined my start and I lost a number of positions, but I picked up pace and had a good battle with Coletti before he hit my rear left wing and pushed me off the track and into the gravel. I rejoined the race but by then I was at the back the field and it was evident that the car had been damaged. I came in for a pit stop but I had severe understeer so after several laps I was back in the pit lane and we made the call to retire early. It’s been a frustrating day but we’ll look at what went wrong tonight and make sure we come back stronger tomorrow.”
Caterham Racing Chief Engineer Humphrey Corbett: “It has been a disappointing race for us today. We had problems with Giedo’s car at the start which we need to look into. He fought hard but when he and Coletti touched something went wrong with the rear of his car which finally forced him back into the pit lane and out of the race.
“Rodolfo had a great start and was climbing up the field. It was our strategy to keep him out as long as possible but perhaps he should have come in a few laps earlier as his tyre grip was dropping off and affecting his lap times. The team did a great pit stop just as the safety car was deployed which probably saved us a little time, but we still lost a few places. We have a lot of work to do tonight to see how we can improve both cars for tomorrow but I am sure we’ll get to the bottom of the problems and have them fixed for tomorrow. ”
By Caterham Racing
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário
Seja bem-vindo ao Blog SBR!