EU 2000: Spa race notes

Speed Races Toward the Title

A trouble-free race for Scott Speed (MotoparkOschersleben) at Spa, the American leading almost from start to finish to take the chequered flag ahead of his countryman Fleming (Jenzer Motorsport) and Kochem (Jenzer Motorsport).

The Motopark and Jenzer teams pulled out all the stops to give us an amazing show for the single race in round seven of the Eurocup 2004. At the green light, France's Pagenaud (Graff Racing) moved up into Speed's slipstream, passing the American as they exited the Raidillon. But Speed's answer was soon in coming, as he outbraked Pagenaud at the first right-hander before heading of into the sunset. This time the message was clear: you need to be the best to beat Speed.

But while the race got underway without upsets at the front, all the action was going on further down the order. Continuing his run of bad luck this weekend, Maldonado (Cram Competition) ran wide and lost his wing, putting paid to his race. Then Ragues was forced to come into the pits, while Kirkaldy's race ended at the bus stop.

Further forward, Pagenaud was right in Kochem and Fleming's sights. On lap three, though, he was in their mirrors.

A damaged nose-cone forced local driver Den Tandt to wave the white flag, allowing Meijer (AR Motorsport) to pull up to Pagenaud.

On lap eight the Safety Car was called out after Di Resta spun off, leaving his car in a dangerous position for the other drivers. One lap later the race got back underway, with Speed far enough ahead to taste victory. But before the chequered flag there was still time for Fleming to take Kochem, with Claessens moving past Pagenaud further back.

Speed increases his lead in the overall standings, his hands nearly on the title. And out on the track the German teams are truly the ones to catch.

<pre> Race classification

1)  Speed               Motopark Oschersleben   28'27''759
2)  Fleming             Jenzer Motorsport       02''880
3)  Kochem              Jenzer Motorsport       03''465
4)  Claessens           JD Motorsport           03''863
5)  Kofler              JD Motorsport           04''602
6)  Meijer              AR Motorsport           06''630
7)  Pagenaud            Graff Racing            07''053
8)  Ammermuller         Jenzer Motorsport       07''209
9)  Strous              Motopark Oschersleben   07''743
10) Moreau              SG-Formula              08''075

General classification after 7 rounds

1        Speed                  Motopark Oschersleben   252 points
2        Pagenaud               Graff Racing            206 points
3        Kofler                 JD Motorsport           156 points
4        Kochem                 Jenzer Motorsport       152 points
5        Moreau                 SG-Formula              148 points
6        Fleming                Jenzer Motorsport       142 points
7        Pastor Maldonado                               116 points
8        Paul Meijer            AR Motorsport           100 points
9        Pilet                  Graff Racing            88 points
10       Clairay                SG Formula              66 points

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