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Race Reports
Sakhir 14/04/2007
Bahrain Race 1
The eagerly awaited 2007 GP2 Championship got under way this afternoon, taking to Bahrain’s International track after F1 qualifying.
Super Nova’s Italian driver Luca Filippi began in the envied front row position, after his impressive session yesterday rewarded him pole position & the first 2 championship points of the season.
A yellow flag delayed this afternoons’ race. After two formation laps, Luca successfully pulled away at the first corner, unfortunately leaving British team mate Mike Conway amongst the three left by the grid; His 600bhp car suffering gearbox failure which sadly ended Mike’s race immediately.
The order of cars quickly changed, and it was the two iSport drivers Timo Glock & Andreas Zuber who continued to pursue the leading Super Nova car. However a speedy 2-tyre pit stop by the crew, together with some superb driving by the Italian, secured a winning position at the chequered flag after 33 laps of leading the field.
The first 2007 podium: Luca Filippi (Super Nova) Timo Glock & Andreas Zuber (iSport) Fastest lap went to Dams Kazuki Nakajima.
Team Principal David Sears: “What a fantastic start! Luca did not put a foot wrong, and backed up an excellent pole, with a 8.1 second win! He totally deserves his first GP2 victory…. Unfortunately Mike’s gears failed at the start, forcing him to retire on the spot. Tomorrow he’ll have to start from the back, which will be a test but he is definitely capable of gaining valuable places”
Mike Conway “ Coming round for the second start, on the pit straight I went to put it into 1st gear, and it didn’t happen. I tried second gear, but there was just no drive. Obviously I’m really disappointed, but hopefully we can come through tomorrow.”
Luca Filippi “I knew we had the potential to come here & win! We pushed really hard during the winter tests because both the team & I are pushing towards the same goal; to win the Championship. Starting from 8th tomorrow will be more difficult…. We’ll need a good start & the same pace as today. But I am confident we can overtake & get another podium!”
Race two starts tomorrow at 1030hrs Local time