22-02-2016, 12:01 AM
QUALI
I saw Robert doing a 1:23.3 yesterday, and today I managed to do a 1:23.2 in the practice session before qualy, so I expected that both of us were capable of high 22's. But probably rubber was on it's top so I could only manage a 23.1. That was enough for pole position but I felt far from safe, with Rob only 2 tenths behind. But it's a tricky track and it's difficult to improve and at the same time easy to overdrive.
RACE 1
Got a very good start from the rubbered side and while Robert had to try to keep guys behind him, I could take full advantage of the racing line through first corner and got a small gap instantly. I knew Robert is capable of doing same laptimes as me so that gap was a relief. It stayed that way and increased a bit during the first stint. I pitted one lap earlier than him and when he exited pits he had lost a lot of time I think, so I could drive totally relaxed whole second stint
RACE 2
Once again got a really good start, and could almost overtake DJ in front of me. Then something happened at the front, so I had to brake hard to avoid bumping into DJ.. We countinued and we spent the first laps behind the both Run Lola Run-drivers, and behind me was Coyne, and Robert I think. Pretty much driving on rails because overtaking is so hard. Eventually DJ managed to overtake Bauer but I could not get past. Towards the end of lap 4 I decided that an early pitstop was the right thing to do. I re-joined on an emty track and could push for 2-3 laps. Gorka who also had pitted early or made a mistake was right behind me, but after the long straight he apparently forgot to brake and ran just past me in full speed :o Then I catched Tim but managed to overtake him after 1 lap behind and some misunderstanding between us. A couple of laps later DJ came out from the pits and there was a couple of seconds between us, with 8 laps to go or something. I thought it was a nice challenge to try to catch him, but was not sure if he was the leader or not. Later, the last guys pitted and so we were 1st and 2nd. But then DJ went into the pits again for a drive through, to just give me the victory : Well that was kind, but I had preferred a fight. Probably I would not have been able to catch him on my old tires. Better luck next time mate
So that is 4 in a row for me, and I have to admit I have been really lucky in the reversed grid-races ;D And great to see my team mate take his first podium (I think?). Good job!
Thanks for hosting Paul. Everything ran smoothly and without problems. See you at Zandvoort, really nice track.
I saw Robert doing a 1:23.3 yesterday, and today I managed to do a 1:23.2 in the practice session before qualy, so I expected that both of us were capable of high 22's. But probably rubber was on it's top so I could only manage a 23.1. That was enough for pole position but I felt far from safe, with Rob only 2 tenths behind. But it's a tricky track and it's difficult to improve and at the same time easy to overdrive.
RACE 1
Got a very good start from the rubbered side and while Robert had to try to keep guys behind him, I could take full advantage of the racing line through first corner and got a small gap instantly. I knew Robert is capable of doing same laptimes as me so that gap was a relief. It stayed that way and increased a bit during the first stint. I pitted one lap earlier than him and when he exited pits he had lost a lot of time I think, so I could drive totally relaxed whole second stint
RACE 2
Once again got a really good start, and could almost overtake DJ in front of me. Then something happened at the front, so I had to brake hard to avoid bumping into DJ.. We countinued and we spent the first laps behind the both Run Lola Run-drivers, and behind me was Coyne, and Robert I think. Pretty much driving on rails because overtaking is so hard. Eventually DJ managed to overtake Bauer but I could not get past. Towards the end of lap 4 I decided that an early pitstop was the right thing to do. I re-joined on an emty track and could push for 2-3 laps. Gorka who also had pitted early or made a mistake was right behind me, but after the long straight he apparently forgot to brake and ran just past me in full speed :o Then I catched Tim but managed to overtake him after 1 lap behind and some misunderstanding between us. A couple of laps later DJ came out from the pits and there was a couple of seconds between us, with 8 laps to go or something. I thought it was a nice challenge to try to catch him, but was not sure if he was the leader or not. Later, the last guys pitted and so we were 1st and 2nd. But then DJ went into the pits again for a drive through, to just give me the victory :
Well that was kind, but I had preferred a fight. Probably I would not have been able to catch him on my old tires. Better luck next time mate So that is 4 in a row for me, and I have to admit I have been really lucky in the reversed grid-races ;D And great to see my team mate take his first podium (I think?). Good job!
Thanks for hosting Paul. Everything ran smoothly and without problems. See you at Zandvoort, really nice track.