EU 1.6: Series Hockenheimring race one notes

Hat trick for Vandoorne

On the Hockenheim track, Stoffel Vandoorne pockets all points after having lead the race from beginning to end. Norman Nato and Franck Matelli accompany him on the podium. For this come-back, they are the brilliant students.

Sebastien Le Bras is absent because of a recent appendix operation. Hamza El Fatouaki is also missing and it is therefore nineteen drivers who take place on the starting grid with Stoffel Vandoorne in front. Norman Nato, like the other drivers, had his three best timings taken away due to the non-respect of the race line but finally only looses one position and therefore takes off by the side of the RACB National Team driver. Injured during the free practice session, Alexandre Jouannem-Sivan wasn't able to participate in the qualifying session - he therefore has to take place at the back end of the starting grid.

At take-off, the pole man maintains his position whereas Paul-Loup Chatin surprises Norman Nato. Pierre Nicolet gets stuck on the starting grid but is finally able to take off. Right from the beginning, the academicians remain close to each other. Franck Matelli is particularly menacing behind Norman Nato. Alexandre Mantovani keeps a close eye on them, ready to seize the slightest opportunity. A little further, three drivers come face to face in a corner and the least we can say is that three cannot pass ! Tristan Papavoine is the unlucky one. After having driven through the grass, he regains the track in last position. Unfortunately, Alexandre Anezo is victim of the ardour of one of his companions.

Having got rid of Franck Matelli, Norman Nato now puts pressure on Paul-Loup Chatin with the objective not only to regain his position but also to tickle the leader of the Championship and race. He succeeds in the 3rd lap, but now he has to speed up to catch up on Stoffel Vandoorne. Paul-Loup Chatin hasn't finished being surprised as yet another competitor comes and pressures him. Franck Matelli leaves him no breathing space, multiplies attacks, sometimes very daring, but Paul-Loup sticks to his position. Finally, he has to give in at the entry of the 'Sachs Curbe'^a a farely daring action on behalf of the Corsican driver - the overtakings are rather seldom on this part of the track - but this finally pays.

The following laps are calmer but not for long. Franck Matelli is yet again in Norman Nato's gear box. Then, the hunter becomes the hunted as Paul-Loup Chatin shows himself very pressing behind the Corsican driver. As for Mathieu Jaminet, he seizes 6th position to the detriment of Jean-Baptiste Lahaye who is then trapped in an intense fight between Paul Lanchere and Pierre Sancinena. The second plays with the limits, the first tries to defend his position but finally, Pierre Sancinena wins the match, who left in 13th position on the starting grid.

In the end, Stoffel Vandoorne signs his 5th victory of the season and regains the podium from which he had been absent in Hungary. Same thing for Franck Matelli who ends 3rd behind Norman Nato. Paul-Loup Chatin and Alexandre Mantovani close the Top Five in front of Mathieu Jaminet, Pierre Sancinena, Paul Lanchere, Jean-Baptiste Lahaye and Nicolas De Moura.

Stoffel Vandoorne : " I took a good departure and was able to build myself a comfortable advance but at the end of the race, my tires began to wear out. I think that tomorrow, things will be much harder. But, for the moment, I savor this new success. "

Norman Nato : " I am both satisfied with this 2nd position but also frustrated as I was at ease and rather fast during qualifying this morning. Then, I changed car because of a gear box problem and the one I had for the race didn't suit me. "

Franck Matelli : "This podium is a very good thing as I pocket 3rd position of the Championship. I like this track very much. It's really fast which suits me ! "

-source: renault sport