Spengler AI-Ring race two notes

F3 rookie Bruno Spengler takes 7th place in Austria Montreal, Canada, September 7th, 2003 -- Canadian race car driver Bruno Spengler -- a member of the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Junior Team in the European Formula 3 Championship -- finished today ...

F3 rookie Bruno Spengler takes 7th place in Austria

Montreal, Canada, September 7th, 2003 -- Canadian race car driver Bruno Spengler -- a member of the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Junior Team in the European Formula 3 Championship -- finished today in 7th place in the second race of the weekend held at the A1 Ring in Austria. Spengler finished third in yesterday's race.

Driving a Mercedes-Benz powered Dallara prepared by Team ASM, Spengler took the start in 9th place. At the green, the Number 34 silver car jumped forward. "I took a really good start and I passed two cars in front of the pits," said Spengler. "However, seconds later the two drivers ahead of me squeezed me a bit, forcing me to hit the brakes really hard to avoid hitting them."

In doing so, Spengler lost two places and fell down to 9th position.Moments later, a full course yellow forced the Safety Car to take the track. At the restart, Spengler drove as hard as he could despite the difficult conditions. "I had no grip during the early laps," he said. "My tires took a very long time to reach their working temperature. I could not push very hard..."

Spengler -- the reigning champion of the Fran-Am North American Series -- managed to pass one car and then the driver who was running ahead of him spun, giving 7th place to Spengler at the finish. "It's too bad that I had to brake at the start," he explained. "I had nowhere to go and that ruined a very good start. However, in starting from 9th place, it was impossible for me to finish on the podium. So, to finish 7th under these circumstances is not too disappointing."

Prior to the next race held in Zandvoort, Holland Spengler will follow an intensive training camp. "I am staying here in Austria until next Saturday with the trainers of the Mercedes-Benz team. We'll do a lot of mountaineering in high altitude. I will be physically and mentally ready for the next race in Zandvoort."

Bruno Spengler is sponsored by Mercedes Benz, Goodvibes, march-fifteen, Reneka, Arai, ASN Canada FIA, Smart race paint and Inside Track Motorsport News.