Italia: Andrea Caldarelli Imola summary

Andrea Caldarelli stays cool to maximize points at Imola

Andrea Caldarelli proved smart this weekend at Imola, in the third round of the 2010 Italian Formula 3 Championship, as he raced clean and avoided any mistake to score some extre- mely valuable points after the setback suffered at Hockenheim. As he was forced to retire early at the German venue due to a contact, Andrea focused on standings, and successful- ly secured as many points as possible.

During practice, the Prema team opted for a set-up able to avoid excessive tire wear at the distance, and enable Andrea to keep a constant pace while profiting from his rivals' tire issues. In qualifying he took 7th place in front of his two team-mates, and also clinched a front row spot for race 2. On race 1, Andrea stayed clear of the contacts that forced many championship contenders to retire, and ended up in 8th.

Andrea held 2nd place on race 2 before having to let Stephane Richelmi and Cesar Ramos get past. He rounded out his day in 4th, the same spot he's holding in standings with 47 points.

Andrea Caldarelli
"I would have really liked to fight for points at Imola - says Caldarelli - which is a racetrack I really like. After Hockenheim, where I lost my championship lead for a stupid contact right after the start, I decided for a more conservative approach tough. Now I'm standing in 4th, but with just 18 points to recover, and each win awards 20, so I'm not too concerned. I'm determined to be back at the top at Mugello, on May 25, right after the test session we plan- ned at Varano. I hope for a cooler weather too!"

-source: Andrea Caldarelli