Race Reports

Monte Carlo 26/04/2007

Monaco Race

A fantastic fourth place finish & second in the Championship for Luca Filippi and the Super Nova team at one of the most prestigious races on the GP2 calendar!

Morning showers threatened this afternoons’ race, highlighting the importance of good race strategy. The teams’ drivers got off to a clean start from fourth and fifth row on the grid, narrowly avoiding any collision when iSport’s Andreas Zuber stalled at the lights.

The 45-lap race, disrupted with countless yellow flags and safety cars, saw British driver Mike Conway look set to score his first points as he settled into the opening laps. He demonstrated his overtaking skills, before coming in for an early pit stop. The team executed record-breaking pit stops throughout the race, yet sadly for Mike, his race was cut short when he spun out of the pit lane and hit the wall.

Luca drove with purpose from start to finish, putting pressure on Timo Glock who was just ahead. His exceptional drive pushed himself and the Super Nova team back up to second place in the championship.

Trident Racing’s driver Maldonado dominated the race from his pole grid position to finish first, closely chased by Giorgio Pantano for Campos & Timo Glock, iSport to complete the Monte Carlo podium finish.

Team Principal David Sears said “Luca Filippi drove a storming race from 7th to finish in a very strong 4th place, pushing championship leader Timo Glock all the way. In fact Luca was the highest placed driver who had never been to Monaco before.

Mike Conway looked to be able to improve on his 10th place grid position, but unfortunately he spun on cold tyres exiting the pit lane, retiring from the race.

Mikes speed is clearly there, and with a month off until the next race he’s got time to do more testing, and look forward to racing at some circuits that he has already won on in Formula 3. ”

Luca Filippi commented, “I have never been here before, so we are proving all the time that we are really quick and very competitive. We could have dome something very special today because the car was perfect. I am happy with the result today.”

A frustrated Mike Conway said “I just spun as I came out of the pits. It’s a tough track, but the car felt really good so I’m obviously disappointed…I would have really liked to score points today.”