Action-packed race for Racing Engineering at Hockenheim 25.07.2010: Racing Engineering had an action-packed race at the Hockenheim today where Dani Clos, who started from fifth on the grid, was running in fourth place for most of the race. The young Spaniard crossed the finish line in sixth position securing one more poin

Racing Engineering had an action-packed race at the Hockenheim today where Dani Clos, who started from fifth on the grid, was running in fourth place for most of the race. The young Spaniard crossed the finish line in sixth position securing one more point for the drivers’ championship. Christian Vietoris, who started from the last row of the grid after yesterday’s early retirement, had a fantastic start, and a race always on the charge to finish in a meritorious tenth position.



Dry skies and warm temperatures welcomed the GP2 field at Hockenheim today. Dani Clos, who started from the fifth spot on the grid, made a good start and gained a position at the first corner. But then he went wide and lost his position again. The only German in the field, Christian Vietoris, had a very good start, overtaking six cars and negotiating turn 1 on the outside, to finish the first lap of the race in a fantastic fifteenth position.

On the second lap, Ericsson slowed and was overtaken by the entire field, so Dani climbed up to fourth place. The Spaniard from Racing Engineering started to lap quickly and, by lap three, he was all over Bianchi, who was running in third. However, Perez was on a charge and, on lap four, he overtook Dani.

After a few laps maintaining his distances, the Racing Engineering driver started to close in on Bianchi again, managing to close the gap to just seven tenths of a second, but his tyres started to suffer from excessive wear after the tough opening laps of the race. Dani had to start to defend his position from a recovering Bird.

With just three laps to the end of the race, Dani went wide in turn 7, and Bird immediately took advantage of the opening. Grosjean saw his chance as well, but was pushed out off the track by Maldonado, ending the race for both drivers when they collided. During the closing stages of the race, Dani defended himself from Filippi, in order to finish sixth and score the final point.

Christian Vietoris continued his recovery charge through the field and had an amazing race where he finished in an excellent tenth place, which proves that the German rookie had the speed to be at the top all weekend.

Dani Clos: “I made quite a good start where I gained a position. But then Bianchi overtook me again. During the opening laps of the complicated race, quite a few incidents took place, but I was able to hold onto my position. I thought I have a car similar to the one yesterday. But maybe due to the lower temperatures the balance was a bit different. I was able to cope with the pressure from the cars behind, but Bird was able to take advantage of my position in the end. It's one more point for the championship and we need to look forward now to the next race.”

Christian Vietoris: “I had a good start and was able to overtake some cars. This was the first really good race of the season and I had a lot of fun. The car was really good. On the straight we lacked a bit of top speed as we went for traction, but I am happy with this race.”

Alfonso de Orlèans – Borbón, President of Racing Engineering: “Pity about Dani's race. I think he did a very good job. So let's look forward to Budapest. As for Christian, absolutely amazing. What a great drive from the young German. We should see more drives like this from him this season. Well done to everyone in the team for the great work this weekend.”
    

- Racing Engineering - photo GP2