formula-bmw-asia-pacific-gabby-chaves-atlantic-racing-team

First race, rain, electrical failure and a good push to finish his first Formula BMW Pacific race - this summons up what Gabby Chaves experienced today in the afternoon.

After the big question what tires to select, and having them changed twice at pre-gridding, finally the race was called a wet race and all teams changed again to full rain tires. Good choice as the tropical skies opened up and a refreshing downpour was hitting Formula BMW drivers and teams alike!

Gabby was fast out of the grid, starting in 6th place and prior to the first turn he had made up three positions. Bad things happened - he called in to his engineer Lucas Strackerjan that his dash and engine experience cutouts. Nothing the team could do and he motored on in the rain. At that time the rain really became a downpour and visibility became an even more urgent issue, especially if the driver went too close to the car in front of him.

The # 6 car performance became worse, Gabby losing positions, on lap three he settled down into 6th place. But on the front straight, for whatever reason, he was hit from behind by a competitor misjudging his distance to him. He and Gabby both ended up with broken suspensions, finishing their first race on the sidelines.

Upon closer inspection after the race the FBMW Technicians and Atlantic Racing Team engineering found out that the rain light shortened temporarily the electronics, possibly due to the amount of water spray from the rain. Sad ending but the spirits are high within the team as Gabby had shown that he can make great starts and, regardless of technical problems and circumstances, he will not give in.

For more information about this premier driver development series please visit the www.afos.com or www.bmw-motorsport.com websites.

- Rolf-Ingo Strackerjan, Atlantic Racing Team- also photo

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