Race Reports

Silverstone 06/07/2007

Silverstone Qualifying

Returning to one of the most popular tracks of the season & Super Nova’s home country; GP2 continued racing for the second weekend in a row, this week at Silverstone circuit, set in the Northamptonshire countryside.

A familiar track to British driver Mike Conway, began in fine form this morning in free practice, fourth quickest overall, continuing to set the high standard in the all-important 30 minute qualifying session 4pm this afternoon. His knowledge of the circuit paid off, as he flew round the demanding track, to claim his first 2007 front row grid position with a time of 1:28.256. He lines up with Andreas Zuber, one row ahead of championship leader Timo Glock.

In the meantime team mate Luca Filippi took several trips into the pits while the team worked primarily on race set ups, improving his morning position by nine positions to start midfield for tomorrows feature race. With his skilful overtaking manoeuvres the team are confident he can improve on his positioning.

Team Principal David Sears said of today’s session “Mike Conway was on top form in the free practice today ending fourth quickest. In qualifying Mike pushed himself further to claim P2 for tomorrow! With his circuit knowledge Mike is hungry for a win.

Luca Filippi admitted that he did not know the circuit very well, and after ending up 20th in free practice, the set up was changed completely and he ended up in 11th place, looking much stronger for the race tomorrow.

The team is aiming to get both drivers in the points tomorrow in order to regain 2nd spot in the team championship.”

Luca Filippi commented “We made some improvements, so this afternoon the balance was much better, but took a little time to get used to the differences. Towards the end we had a slight problem upshifting, which I think hindered us getting a quicker lap. But we gained places in Magny Cours, so I’m confident we can do the same here….I’m really please for Mike too. I know how important it is to perform well at your home race.”

A happy Mike Conway said “I have raced here before in British F3, and enjoy the track a lot. From free practice today we had a good balanced car. We made a few small improvements before qualifying, which worked well. Now I feel we are in good stead for tomorrows race with a consistent car & compared to previous positions I’ll take P2 happily!”