Mechanical problems for Doornbos

A mechanical problem with his gearbox prevented Robert Doornbos making serious mileage at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway today. After a fine first practice session, the 24-year old Dutchman only lapped the 4192 meter long track 13 times this afternoon. Finishing the day with a top result on American soil was therefore out of reach this time.

Robert Doornbos.

Photo by xpb.cc.

While several drivers confined themselves to a single installation lap in this morning's prelimanary session, Doornbos completed 22 laps at the world's most famous racetrack. Separated over four runs of about six laps each, Red Bull Racing's test driver mainly concentrated on finding a good set-up for the RB2.

Though Doornbos was among the fastest drivers on the track in the first 45 minutes of the opening session, he could no longer make a fist on a high fuel load and eventually finished tenth with a best laptime of 1:15.018.

As the team had made significant progress in terms of set-up during the lunchbreak, Doornbos was eager to continue his programme. A sudden problem with the gearbox however halted his ambitions.

Halfway through his second run the team called Doornbos in as a precautionary measure as the data revealed a mechanical failure had occured. With the time being too short to fix the problem, Doornbos only completed 13 laps and finished in 26th position in the afternoon session.

Robert Doornbos:

"Quite a disapointment, but it comes with the game. One can never rule out mechanical trouble for the full 100%, but it's a shame we lost valuable tracktime today. On the other hand, this is the first time this year I had to take an early shower, so let's hope it's also the last time! I will now prepare myself for our upcoming test at Jerez de la Frontera where I will drive next Wednesday and Friday."

-www.robertdoornbos.com-