EU V6: DAMS Monza race one notes

Race 1 "Grand Race" - Saturday 27th March 2004

Bruce Lorgere-Roux (took 5th place after starting the race from the pits) was the satisfaction of the day for DAMS after the accidents of Neel Jani in the first lap (contact with Sharp) and Memo Rojas (after pit stop in first chicane).

Jean-Paul DRIOT, Team Principal : "Neel lost a good opportunity to score points today but this is a race fact and we have a lot of races to go, we are already focused on tomorrow's race. Bruce impressed the Team today, he was as fast as the leaders, he made a mistake in the formation lap which cost him, at least a podium as he had to go through the pits to repair and started the race in last position from the pits. I am disappointed that Memo had troubles in the race, but from what we saw during winter test we know that he will come back soon in the front."

Bruce Lorgere-Roux : "In the formation lap I lost control of the car and hit the wall. It is my fault but the place was really difficult and many other drivers had problems there, I was really very surprised. Then I went in the pits to change my nose and started behind all the cars. My car was very good and I could pass a lot before the pit stops. When I got out of the pits I remembered that many drivers made mistakes with cold tyres from the pits, I was very careful and, as the team is very fast for the wheel change, I jumped from 9th to 5th position. I am happy, day after day we are reaching the level we are looking for"

Neel Jani : "My start was good, I was in a position to take 3rd place in the first chicane. Then I had a contact with Sharp which destroyed my rear suspension, I had no more steering and I lost the control of the car. I am disappointed but highly motivated for tomorrow's race."

Memo Rojas : "It was a mess in the start! I started well, I was passing Danielsson when I spun after braking in the inside line which was still wet. I went back on the track but I lost many places. The pit stop was excellent, my lap times were good but unfortunately I lost the rear of my car in the first chicane and the race was over."

Sunday 28 March 16.30 : Sprint Race

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