GP2
7 November 2009

GP2 news

Dismal start for Racing Engineering

09 May 2009 / Results / Photos

The Spanish Racing Engineering team experienced a variety of emotions during the opening race of the season in Barcelona. Unfortunately for the team, the emotions were chiefly negative as both Lucas di Grassi and Dani Clos retired from the feature race in Spain.

Running competitively and duelling amongst the top ten runners, Catalan Clos' first outing in the series ended with mechanical failure. "I think my first laps were really good," he said. "I was able to overtake various drivers and make up positions. I am very happy with the car and feel comfortable; I think we have found a really good set up. I am also happy with the pit stop, which went really well. We were able to make it up to 9th position when Maldonado, who was very fast today, overtook me. It's a real shame about the failure on the engine safety system, which happened without any previous warning - I think we could have finished in a very good position."

Di Grassi also went out of the race in the closing stages, although in rather more spectacular style. Having topped practice timesheets at the circuit in March and still tipped as a leading championship contender, the Brazilian's car ended its race mounted by Alvaro Parente's Ocean Racing at Turn 4. "This was a difficult race and things definitely didn't work out as planned," Di Grassi said afterwards. "We need to improve the car for tomorrow's race and what see what we can do to get back to the pace we had before."


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