D: Chris van der Drift Brno summary

Podium brings Chris van der Drift closer to championship title!

Brno, 05 June 2005 -- Two exciting races for the 2005 Formula BMW ADAC Championship, bring a good result for Chris van der Drift in this weekends races at the circuit at Auto Motopark Brno in the Czech Republic. In both races the Dutch New-Zealander in German duty finished in the front of this strong competition. In the first heat on the 5.403 kilometre long circuit Van der Drift already showed his potential by taking fifth place. With an excellent second position during the last race the 19 year old driver has created a nice opportunity to win the championship! In the championship standings he is currently in third position with 93 points.

QUALIFYING
At the twisty circuit located in the southeast of the Czech Republic Van der Drift qualified fifth and fourth on Friday afternoon for the races on Saterday and Sunday. 'Kiwi' showed his gained experience of last year in a strong international field of 26 Formula BMW ADAC drivers.

RACE 01 + 02
As usual this season an excellent start in the opening heat made sure the twelve time go-kart champion already was in fifth place after a few metres. During the 10-lap race Van der Drift sees no chance to overtake the drivers in front of him. The driver from Team Rosberg has to settle for fifth position as the chequered flag is shown to him.

With a grid position on the second row on Sunday morning Van der Drift only had three drivers in front of him. Van der Drift had a quick start and overtook his teammate and also the current championshipleader Nico Hulkenberg in the first corner of the circuit. The rookie champion of last year came also closer to poleman Sebastien Buemi in the final stages of the race but he was not able to take the first place. After 25 minutes Van der Drift finished his race in second place.

CHRIS VAN DER DRIFT: "This podium and the points scored are very welcome. Already on Friday, the team gave me a very good car which we further developed throughout the weekend. Therefore a big com pliment goes out to my mechanics! Although I hoped to win the second race I am still happy with my performance this weekend. With the third place in the championship I still have chances to win the title in this Formula BMW ADAC Cup!"

-cvdd-