EU 2000: Bilbao race two notes

First win for Zaugg

On the streets of Bilbao, Adrian Zaugg (Jenzer Motorsport) majestically claimed his first victory of the season, ahead of the formula's leading driver and his teammate, a certain Michael Ammermller. Carlo Van Dam (SG Formula) made it onto the podium for the first time this season. As Clairay and Kobayashi failed to score, Ammermuller extended his lead a little further in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 overall standings.

The Jenzer Motorsport drivers make it look all too easy in getting quickest away in the rolling start. But for once, the order was unusual, as polesitter Adrian Zaugg was in front of Michael Ammermuller! There was no room for sentiment between the two teammates and the German wasted no time in attacking the South African driver!

Action was plentiful in the main field, with Kamui Kobayashi (Prema Power Team) forced to retire, Hiroyuki Mastumura (Graff Racing) driving straight across the chicane, Tom Dillmann (Cram Competition) spinning at the hairpin and Daniel Serra (Cram Competition) clipping the side of the track.

Engulfed in their cut-throat battle, Zaugg and Ammermuller were unable to shake off Carlo Van Dam (SG Formula) and Bertrand Baguette (Epsilon Euskadi).

Atte Mustonen (Koiranen Bros) was forced out after falling victim to a puncture caused by a loose tyre ramp.

Behind this group of four drivers, Alan Hellmeister (AR Motorsport) led the chasing pack made up of Teemu Nyman, Filipe Albuquerque (Motopark Oschersleben), Xavier Maasen (JD Motorsport) and Junior Strous (Mr. Glow Motorsport), who had had a poor first lap.

The two groups then came together to form a single group: the first nine drivers were separated by just six seconds after five laps! Strous got past Maasen, while David Oberle (Team Jenzer) span and slipped back from 13th to 19th place.

At just over the half-way stage of the race, Zaugg had managed to build up a one second lead over Ammermller. Maasen was clearly having problems, as he lost another place, Matsumura benefiting from his difficulties. Strous continued to move up the field, taking 7th position from Albuquerque.

Appearing to relax as the laps went by, Zaugg extended his lead over his teammate, who was by then clear of Van Dam. Van Dam, however, remained under pressure from Baguette and Hellmeister right to the chequered flag. Further back, Juan Antonio del Pino (Epsilon Euskadi) made a superb overtaking manoeuvre to get past John Michael Edwards (Motopark Oschersleben) and take 13th place. On the last lap, Cyndie Alleman (SL Formula Racing) clashed with Walter Grbmuller (Team Jenzer).

Adrian Zaugg: "I don't know what to say! It's my first win in motorsport and it's very special to win it here, with such a great atmosphere."

Michael Ammermuller: "There was no strategy between Adrian and me. Everyone wants to win but it's still difficult to overtake because the surface is dirty once you go off the racing line. I'm not in a position to take risks."

Carlo Van Dam: "I have been quick since the start of the season but have often been unlucky. The team has shown what it is capable of with Yann, this time it was my turn!"