Brno: Natacha Gachnang weekend summary

Brno failed to live up to expectations for Natacha Gachnang

Free practice 1 12th, 2.13.641
Free practice 2 16th, 2.22.689

Qualifying 1 final row 2.13.784 7 laps following gearbox failure which cut her qualifying short
Qualifying 2 - 21st

Race 1 - 14th position
Race 2 - DNF

Brno, Czech Republic, Sunday 21 June 2009 -The rain finally spared Brno after having washed out the first part of the weekend. A 14th place finish for Natacha in race one had given the Swiss driver from Vevey hope of a better second race in her second weekend of Formula 2. But Natacha's efforts for the second race didn't bear fruit, and like in Valencia, her fuel pump failed three laps before the finish, forcing her car to a standstill.

Natacha Gachnang explained her experience: "What a weekend! Yesterday at the start of the race I managed to escape an accident and after a second start I got into a good rhythm and didn't make any mistakes. That was the most important thing starting from 25th position and I consequently finished in 14th. I was disappointed, though, since I wanted to finish in the top eight. We studied the data all evening to improve the car but it didn't bear fruit in the second qualifying. The weather improved, but the red flags disrupted the session.

After 15 minutes I hadn't managed to cover more than five laps and in the end, at the moment that we were ready to go again, another red flag stopped the session and left me in 21st on the grid. At the start of the second race the sun was finally shining strongly at Brno. I had a good start and avoided another big accident. After that the safety car was out and I was up to eleventh. I was pushing hard but three laps before the finish my fuel pump broke down. Like in Valencia, there was nothing else I could do.

We now head to Spa-Francorchamps at the end of the month for my third race which I hope will bring better luck!

-credit: ng