IFM: Chris van der Drift Brands Hatch summary

Third and fourth place for Van der Drift at Brands Hatch

The seventh and penultimate race weekend of the International Formula Master at the traditional British circuit of Brands Hatch brought a third and a fourth place for Chris van der Drift (JD Motorsport). Thus, the Dutch Racingpool driver is runner-up in the points' standings of the hotly contested series with only two more races to go this season. Nick de Bruijn (ISR) retired early from both races.

Qualifying and race 1: In the two free practice sessions, the two Racingpool drivers were among the front runners, but in qualifying, they weren't quite able to turn this performance into a good result. A broken engine mount of his car prevented Nick de Bruijn from obtaining a better grid position. Chris van der Drift failed to improve his personal best lap time as yellow flags were waved at the track just when he was on his fastest lap. Thus, he qualified 13th for the first race, De Bruijn started 15th. Van der Drift had a good start and was already tenth after the opening lap. After that, he made up more positions and crossed the finish line in fourth place. De Bruijn became involved in a collision in the opening stages of the race, in which he lost the endplate of the left front wing of his car. He retired with ten laps to go.

Chris van der Drift: "Too bad that the race didn't last any longer, because I probably could have done even better. My start was very good. This track is just great, some of the corners are really cool! Nick de Bruijn: "As I had little downforce after having lost the front wing, my car was very difficult to handle, especially in the many fast right-hand corners at Brands Hatch.

Race 2: Because of the reversed grid in the race on Sunday, Chris van der Drift started fifth. At the start, he already gained one place and was able to move up one more position later on in the race. Thus, he was already third and he managed to drive this position home. For Van der Drift, this was already his sixth podium finish of the season and this allowed him to strengthen his second place in the drivers' standings. Nick de Bruijn again retired early after the right front wing of his car had been torn off in a collision on the opening lap, went through the sidepod and had punctured the right rear tyre.

Chris van der Drift: "Once again, I had a good start and I managed to gain two places. I am happy with my podium finish. Unfortunately, Llobell and Cecotto were already too far away to catch them. Now, my goal is to remain runner-up in the championship Nick de Bruijn: "So much bad luck... After I retired yesterday, I had hoped to make it to the finish, but that wasn't to be. Now, I hope for a good result at Monza in a fortnight to end the season on a high

-credit: cvdd