D’Ambrosio : A champion in waiting?
22.09.2007:
D’Ambrosio : A champion in waiting?
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Jérôme D'Ambrosio taking the chequered flag at the wheel of the Formula S2000
Immaculate driving saw Jérôme D’Ambrosio come within a hair’s breadth of the inaugural Formula Master title at Brands Hatch today after he commanded the 21-lap race, leading from start to finish.
The Cram Competition driver is now 30 points ahead of nearest rival, Chris van der Drift, with 30 points still available. D’Ambrosio has four wins to van der Drift’s two, meaning the J.D. Motorsport driver needs to win all three remaining races, with D’Ambrosio scoring no points, to win the title.
Van der Drift does not appear to have abandoned the chase, putting up a spirited challenge after qualifying 13th for today’s race. The Dutchman showed exceptional racing skill culminating in a particularly brave pass on Frankie Provenzano down the inside of Hawthorn Bend for fourth place before closing a 2.7s gap to the top three in just three laps.
D’Ambrosio was nowhere to be seen, however, after blasting off the grid, building up a 3.4s lead by the end of his first lap. A brief safety car period, after guest driver Michael Meadows lost it coming out of Surtees, did not upset the 21-year-old’s rhythm as he picked up where he left off, building a comfortable lead by the chequered flag.
D’Ambrosio was helped by the fierce battle behind him for second place after Norbert Siedler went backwards off the grid, letting Salvatore Gatto through. Gatto, for Promotorsport, defended brilliantly and in the closing laps was given a breather as van der Drift kept Siedler’s ADM Motorsport Formula S2000 busy.
Jérôme D’Ambrosio, Cram Competition
"I had a very good qualifying with my first-ever Formula Master Pole. It’s quite difficult to start from pole position here but I had a great first lap and a good gap at the end.
"This track is fantastic; the first time you go out of the pit, it’s like being in Disney World! The trick is not to hold back, keep focussed and have the same reference points. I pushed hard without taking any risks.
"It could be fantastic to win the championship here tomorrow. You have to focus race by race and do your best, not think too much about points. There is always ways to improve, even if you are leading. When you are on the limit you can still find some more. That’s what we’re doing as a team so well at the moment."
Salvatore Gatto, Promotorsport
"After the first corner I’m in second position so that is good. Jérôme is very fast and it’s impossible to attack him so my race was only for second. After the re-start, I have got a little gap between me and Norbert in third but he is very good."
Norbert Siedler, ADM Motorsport
"My start was bad. I had too much wheel spin and that’s why I lost second place. I think we have to focus a little bit on the top speed for tomorrow’s race. We should try to find a little bit on the straights and I will push for another podium."
International Formula Master – Brands Hatch Round 13 provisional results
1. Jerome D'Ambrosio (BEL), Cram Competition (#25)
2. Salvatore Gatto (ITA), Promotorsport (#15)
3. Norbert Siedler (AUT), ADM Motorsport (#41)
4. Chris van der Drift (NED), J.D. Motorsport (#7)
5. Frankie Provenzano (ITA), ADM Motorsport (#21)
6. Pablo Sanchez Lopez (MEX), Alan Racing (#12)
7. Arturo Llobell (ESP), Cram Competition (#24)
8. Johnny Cecotto Jr (VEN) Ombra Racing (#29)
9. Marcello Puglisi (ITA), Promotorsport (#9)
10. Pierre Ragues (FRA), Euronova Racing (#19)
11. Sami Isohella, (FIN), Team Soderman (#23)
12. Michele Caliendo (ITA), ADM Motorsport, (#22)
13. Rahel Frey (SUI), Jenzer Motorsport (#2)
14. Oliver Campos Hull (ESP), Iris Project (#4)
15. Dominick Muermans (NED), Ombra Racing (#30)
16. Claudio Cantelli Jr (BRA), J.D. Motorsport (#6)
17. Nicolas Maulini, (SUI), Iris Project (#5)
18. Nicola Maulini, (SUI), Iris Project (#5)
19. Juho Annala (FIN), Jenzer Motorosport (#3)
20. Rodolfo Avila (MAC), Cram Competition (#26)
Not Classified:
Kasper Andersen (DEN), J.D. Motorsport (#8)
Nick De Bruijn (NED), ISR (#33)
Massimo Torre (ITA), Suderia Fama (#32)
Alberto Costa (ITA), Euronova Racing (#18)
Giuseppe Terranova (ITA), Alan Racing (#14)
Michael Meadows (GBR), Euronova Racing (#45)
Luca Persiani (ITA), Scuderia Fama (#31)
Lap-by-lap analysis
Lap 1: Good start for D’Ambrosio who builds up lead straight away
Lap 2: Annala off-track and rejoins
Lap 3: Andersen up to fifth, overtaking Provenzano
Lap 4: Gatto & Siedler fighting for second / Meadows spin &
looses rear wing – retired / Persiani – retired / Safety Car out
Lap 5: Safety Car
Lap 6: Safety Car
Lap 7: Safety Car
Lap 8: Safety Car in on this lap / D’Ambrosio builds back his lead straight away / Van Drift attempting to pass Sanchez Lopez
Lap 9: D’Ambrosio leads by 1.134 secs / Terranova overtakes Isohella for 14th place
Lap 10: Sanchez Lopez and Van der Drift overtake Llobell / Top eight now: 25, 15, 41, 21, 8, 12, 7, 24 / De Bruijn: loose rear wing
Lap 11: Costa off at Druids (turn 2) – spin on the inside / Torre out at turn 6
Lap 12: De Bruijn – loose rear wing, asked to pit
Lap 13: De Bruijn in the pits for rear wing
Lap 14: Van der Drift overtakes Sanchez Lopez for sixth place
Lap 15: Andersen – slow car / Van der Drift up to fifth / Van der Drift overtakes Provenzano for fourth / Avila in the pits
Lap 16: Andersen – retired / top eight now: 25, 15, 41, 7, 21, 12, 24, 29
Lap 18: D’Ambrosio post fastest lap of the race so far 1:19.691
Lap 19: Van der Drift attempting to pass Siedler
Lap 21: Van der Drift and Siedler fighting for third / D’Ambrosio takes the win
Chequered flag at 12:45.
Live coverage of IFM’s seventh race weekend continues with Sunday’s coverage on Eurosport 2 and Eurosport Asia-Pacific starting at 14.00 (CET).
Live streaming will be available on www.eurosport.com and www.formulamaster.net
As an exciting new single-seater series, IFM offers young, aspiring drivers the chance to prove themselves on an international stage (as it is part of the FIA World Touring Car Championship race weekend package), training and preparing them for the highest echelons of single-seater racing in front of a global TV audience provided by Eurosport.
Featuring N.Technology’s Formula S2000 race car with electric gearshift and clutch paddles and advanced aerodynamics, the car weighs just 550kg including the driver and runs on control tyres by Yokohama. It has already secured 2008 FIA homologation approval – a world first – and has generated excitement from all sectors thanks to its dynamic styling, light-weight body and powerful engine.
- RSM ·-
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Jérôme D’Ambrosio does it again
22.09.2007
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Jérôme D’Ambrosio rose above the fierce battle for podium places in this afternoon’s Formula Master (FM) race at Brands Hatch, leading the race from the start.
The result gives the Cram Competition driver a practically unassailable points lead, although today’s fourth-place finisher Chris van der Drift still has a slim mathematical chance of taking the title.
Van more >> |
Jérôme d'Ambrosio on target at Brands Hatch
21.09.2007
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Jérôme D’Ambrosio claimed his first Formula Master (FM) pole position of the season in today’s qualifying session for round 13 at Brands Hatch, UK, with the fastest time of 1:18.659.
Although the Belgian is leading the driver classification and has three wins to date, a pole position had been missing. With his lap times unchallenged for most of the session, D’Ambrosio sh more >> |
Formula S2000 on the way up
19.09.2007
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Aside from superb on-track action and a growing international profile, International Formula Master’s Formula S2000 is fast developing a reputation as a great hill climber.
IFM team Jenzer Motosport, together with driver Florian Lachat, have enjoyed great results following the Formula S2000’s entry into a range of hill climbing challenges in Switzerland.
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IFM drivers hatching Brands wins
18.09.2007
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This weekend’s penultimate International Formula Master (IFM) rounds see the Series’ young racers take to Brands Hatch’s British curves for the first time.
With a 25-point lead, Cram Competition driver Jérôme D’Ambrosio is well placed to claim the title in front of the British crowds, although another six drivers are still in the running.
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Japan joins IFM's Ranks
16.09.2007
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International Formula Master (IFM) can now add Japan to its global grid following confirmation that Japanese driver Hajime Sugino will take part in the Series’ last rounds at Monza in Italy.
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The Formula S2000 on display at the Frankfurt International Motor Show
14.09.2007
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International Formula Master’s (IFM) single-seater, the Formula S2000, will be on display at the 62nd International Motor Show (IAA) from 13 to 23 September in Frankfurt, Germany, thanks to the Series’ main partner Yokohama ADVAN tyres.
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British hopes for Meadows with IFM
13.09.2007
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IFM Attracting Attention
30.08.2007
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International Formula Master’s sensational debut is definitely attracting attention from other championships and last weekend the paddock saw a new entry from the ranks of World Series by Renault.
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Andersen quickest in two day IFM Lausitzring test
30.08.2007
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After its 11th and 12th round at Oschersleben last weekend, International Formula Master (IFM) headed to the famous Lausitzring for a two day test, which saw J.D. Motorsport’s Kasper Andersen setting the overall fastest lap time at the German circuit.
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Campos-Hull praises Formula S2000’s Safety
28.08.2007
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Oliver Campos Hull emerged unscathed after a shocking flip at 160kph in this weekend’s International Formula Master round 12 and has reaffirmed his confidence in the Series’ machinery.
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Single-seater showcase by IFM drivers at Oschersleben
26.08.2007
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PHOTOS on automobilsport.com under www.automobilsport.com/fia-wtcc+fia-gt--196.html
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26.08.2007
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PHOTOS on automobilsport.com under www.automobilsport.com/fia-wtcc+fia-gt--196.html
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Oschersleben : Jérome d'Ambrosio racer through and through
25.08.2007
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Podium celebrations for Chris Van der Drift, Jerome D’Ambrosio and Norbert Siedler
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D'Ambrosio victorious in race one at Oschersleben
25.08.2007
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Cram Competition’s Jerome D’Ambrosio secured a fantastic win at today’s first International Formula Master (IFM) race at Oschersleben, Germany, finishing ahead of Chris Van der Drift and Norbert Siedler.
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Chris Van der Drift takes pole position at Oschersleben
25.08.2007
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POLE POSITION FIRST FOR INTERNATIONAL FORMULA MASTER
Today’s International Formula Master (IFM) qualifying at Oschersleben saw a fierce battle for pole position as the Series enters its final stages.
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Andersen and Gatto top times in free practice at Oschersleben
25.08.2007
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Today’s International Formula Master’s (IFM) free practice sessions at Oschersleben tested drivers’ ability to adapt as rain frequently interrupted the 30-minute sessions.
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IFM charges ready for Oschersleben
20.08.2007
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Luca Persiani at the wheel of his Formula S2000
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Oschersleben official test for IFM
02.08.2007
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Fastest man today, Marco Bonanomi, at the wheel of the Formula S2000
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Slick decision gives Norbert Siedler win in Anderstorp
29.07.2007
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IFM round 10 start at Anderstorp today
ADM Motorsport’s Norbert Siedler claimed his second win of the season, and his second in successive race weekends, today in round 10 of International Formula Master at Anderstorp, Sweden.
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Today's winner Norbert Siedler at the wheel of the Formula S2000
29.07.2007
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IFM ROUND 10 RACE – ANDERSTORP
Weather conditions played into Norbert Siedler’s hands for today’s International Formula Master race in Anderstorp where the ADM Motorsport’s driver choice of racing on slick tyres paid off dramatically.
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Andersen takes second series win in Sweden
28.07.2007
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IFM round nine's top three on track today in their Formula S2000s
Dry weather held for today’s International Formula Master race in Anderstorp, Sweden; with J.D. Motorsport’s Kasper Andersen taking the win in front of the attending crowds.
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Kasper Andersen keeps cool to take win
28.07.2007
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J.D. Motorsport's Kasper Andersen taking the chequered flag
Scandinavian Kasper Andersen won on home ground today for round nine of International Formula Master, in Anderstorp, Sweden.
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Anderstorp - Amended Qualifying results
28.07.2007
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Following a decision by the race stewards, the classification for today’s International Formula Master (IFM) qualifying session has changed.
A number of cars were found to have improved their lap times under yellow flags following an incident which saw car number 29 go off-track.
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Jerôme d'Ambrosio takes pole in rainy Swedish Anderstorp
27.07.2007
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Pole-setter Jerome D'Ambrosio on track today
Heavy downpours dominated today’s Swedish qualifying for round nine of International Formula Master (IFM) in Anderstorp with Cram Competition’s Jerome D’Ambrosio eventually claiming pole position.
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IFM celebrates impressive viewing figures
24.07.2007
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Over ten million people have already tuned in to watch International Formula Master’s (IFM) high-octane racing on Eurosport; making the Series’ live coverage one of most popular four-wheeled programme broadcasted by the channel.*
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Scandinavians looking for home advantage
20.07.2007
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With the first half of the season over, International Formula Master’s (IFM) young drivers are predicting another action-packed race weekend at Anderstorp, Sweden for round nine and 10 of the Series.
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PORTO -Welcoming new drivers
14.07.2007
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INTERNATIONAL FORMULA MASTER -ROUND SEVEN AND EIGHT – PORTO
Porto was the scene of another high-octane race weekend for International Formula Master’s (IFM) with the Series second visit to a street circuit. Newcomer Norbert Siedler ruled Sunday’s track action with solid performances from other IFM rookies Erik Janis and Marco Bonanomi.
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Newcomer Siedler star drive scoreds maiden IFM win in Porto
08.07.2007
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ADM Motorsport’s Norbert Siedler completed a superb rookie weekend by winning round eight of International Formula Master (IFM) today in Porto.
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Pablo Sanchez Lopez takes the win in Porto
07.07.2007
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SANCHEZ LOPEZ TAKES SECOND SERIES WIN UNDER SAFETY CAR
Alan Racing’s Pablo Sanchez Lopez won today’s round seven of International Formula Master (IFM), adding to his previous street race win at Pau, closely followed by Promotorsport’s Marcello Puglisi and Cram Competition’s Jerome D’Ambrosio.
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IFM youngest takes pole in Porto
07.07.2007
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Damp and misty conditions provided the backdrop for this morning’s International Formula Master (IFM) qualifying session as the drivers fought for round seven’s pole position.
Alan Racing’s Pablo Sanchez Lopez eventually claimed the top spot with a fastest time of 1:54.652, the only driver to go below the 1 minute 55 seconds, followed by Promotorsport’s Marcello Puglisi more >> |
Fastest man in free practice, Chris van der Drift
06.07.2007
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IFM DRIVERS INCREASE PACE IN SECOND SESSION
International Formula Master’s (IFM) young stars put their driving skills to the test on the fast streets of Porto, Portugal today for the first time with Nicola Maulini and Chris van der Drift coming out on top from the two testing sessions.
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IFM drivers ready to take the streets of Porto
04.07.2007
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Street circuits have already provided plenty of excitement for the young International Formula Master (IFM) drivers this season and next weekend’s races in Porto promise to do the same.
With 30 Formula S2000 single-seaters descending on the Portuguese street circuit for the first time, expectations from the IFM paddock are high. Plenty of drivers have already studied the more >> |
Jérôme D'Ambrosio scores first win
17.06.2007
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IFM race winner Jerome D'Ambrosio
Close racing was the order of the day for International Formula Master’s (IFM) fleet of 30 racers today with Cram Competition’s Jerome D’Ambrosio taking the first win of the weekend.
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Maximilian Goetz pushing hard during qualifying in Brno
15.06.2007
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THE HEAT IS ON IN BRNO
Pole position belonged to Maximilian Goetz in today’s qualifying session for International Formula Master’s round five in Brno, despite strong opposition from the rest of the field.
The ISR driver dominated both practice sessions, claiming first place each time, before posting a superb qualifying lap of 1:52.643.
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IFM heads for BRNO
11.06.2007
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Following International Formula Master’s (IFM) action-packed first two race weekends, Czech Republic’s Automotodrom in Brno has a lot to live up to as it welcomes IFM’s young racers.
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IFM talking points
07.06.2007
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ROUND THREE AND FOUR
International Formula Master’s (IFM) second race weekend delivered non-stop action throughout the three-day event in Pau, France, with torrential downpours, high-speed battles and another historical win for the Series.
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Mexican waves goodbye to IFM compeition in Pau
03.06.2007
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Another piece of International Formula Master (IFM) history was written today with the Series’ youngest driver Pablo Sanchez Lopez storming to a stunning win in Pau, France.
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Dutch courage pays off in Pau
02.06.2007
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Motorsport fans enjoyed a superb first race in Pau today for round three of International Formula Master.
The Series’ young drivers proved they could handle a difficult start on the tough streets of the Pyrenees town and completed their first lap without a hitch. more >> |
IFM drivers attack Pau !
01.06.2007
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International Formula Master's young charges got their first taste of street racing today in the picturesque Pyrenees town of Pau as the Series' second race weekend began in France.
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