FIA F2

Hungaroring: Racing Engineering qualifying report

Lucas Di Grassi breezes to Hungary pole Fat Burner Racing Engineering driver Lucas Di Grassi captured his first pole position of the 2009 GP2 season this afternoon at the Hungaroring. Team mate Dani Clos qualified 13th in an eventful session, ...

Published: Oct 2, 2009, 4:35 PM

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Lucas Di Grassi breezes to Hungary pole

Fat Burner Racing Engineering driver Lucas Di Grassi captured his first pole position of the 2009 GP2 season this afternoon at the Hungaroring. Team mate Dani Clos qualified 13th in an eventful session, which was red flagged shortly after its start, when two cars collided. When qualifying resumed, the Brazilian, who already topped the time sheets in free practice, stormed to pole position in Hungary.

Both Fat Burner Racing Engineering drivers had a good free practice session this morning when air temperature had already climbed to 30o.C. Lucas, from the very first moments, showed his determination to do well this weekend in Budapest and covered the twisty Hungarian circuit in 1:28.261. Dani, on the other hand, took advantage of the 30 minutes session to familiarize himself with the track he never raced on before and finished free practice in 13th position.

When the afternoon qualifying session started at the Hungaroring, the race track known for its twists and turns leaving the drivers very little time to relax, both Fat Burner Racing Engineering drivers immediately showed a very promising pace. The Brazilian dominated the session and quickly placed himself on provisional pole. The team's Spanish rookie did not disappoint either and managed to set the third best time on his first fast lap.

However, an accident involving Grosjean and Perera caused the session to be stopped for a few minutes, forcing all drivers into the pits. When qualifying resumed, Lucas' current fastest lap time was improved by Petrov. But the Fat Burner Racing Engineering driver responded quickly, and with great tenacity and determination, set the fastest lap time of the day. No driver was able to beat Lucas' time of 1:27.867 and when the checkered flag fell, Lucas had his first pole position secured.

Dani's qualifying session was going well until the session was red flagged. He was in third position, when he had to return to the pits. Over the radio, Dani reported a problem with his steering and the Fat Burner Racing Engineering crew tried its best, given the limited time, to solve the issue. Once the track was cleared, the Spanish rookie rejoined the session and managed to improve his personal best time, but so did the rest of the field. A little mistake in the very last corner cost Dani a starting position within the top 10, but Fat Burner Racing Engineering is confident that its rookie has good chances to score his first points in tomorrow's feature race.

Lucas Di Grassi: I think we started the second half of the championship very well being able to get P1 in free practice and qualifying. It was a tough battle within the top 3 in qualifying, and I think there was potential to improve my lap time even more. The team did an awesome job and now we will work hard in order to prepare tomorrow's race.

Dani Clos: The car is really good and we have a very good balance. However, on the first set of tyres, I had a problem with the steering. When I came to the pits, we looked into it. With my second set of tyres we still had the problem, but we were able to make a good lap time. But in the very last corner I made a mistake, which cost me quite some time. However, I am starting tomorrow's race from a position that allows me to fight for points.

Alfonso de Orleans-Borbon, Team President: Really well done. I am very, very happy about Lucas' pole. Driver, team, and car - all perfect. Now we have to turn this into a win tomorrow. As for Dani, real pity, since he was driving perfectly except in the very last corner. Otherwise he would have been top 10. Tomorrow I am confident, Lucas, as well as Dani, will do a good job. Well done to the boys, they have done a good job like always.

-credit: re

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