Engine trouble for Doornbos

Engine trouble in the second free practise session, meant Robert Doornbos' programme was cut short today. At the Autodromo Jos? Carlos Pace the Red Bull Racing driver only drove nine laps in total before he had to park his car prematurely.

Christian Horner and Robert Doornbos.

Photo by Red Bull GmbH und GEPA pictures GmbH.

While there was a severe chance of rain in the opening session, third driver Michael Ammerm?ller did the job for Red Bull Racing racking up all the team's mileage between 10 and 11 o'clock while evaluating the Michelin tyres. Robert Doornbos and teammate David Coulthard only drove one installation lap each at the 4,309 meter long track.

Just as in China and Japan, Doornbos choose to hit the tarmac early in the afternoon session completing a 7-lap first stint in which he concentrated on the set-up of his car. With a laptime of 1:16.251, Doornbos took 15th position at that moment.

When Doornbos started his second run halfway the session, he was immediately confronted with a suspected engine problem, which forced him to park his car on the grass. Therefore the 25-year Dutchman was no longer able to complete his programme and improve his laptimes. Doornbos finished the day in 28th position.

Robert Doornbos: "A bit of a shame we couldn't finish our programme today, but that's life. Despite I only drove nine laps today, I still have a positive feeling about our set-up and chances here this weekend. I'm sure my limited mileage today, won't bother us tomorrow. I'm now looking forward to get the most out of it in qualifying!"

-credit: www.robertdoornbos.com