Hungaroring, Race 1 Here’s summer and Jaminet!

F4 Eurocup 1.6 - Hungaroring - Race 1


Fantastic on the Hungaroring track layout, Mathieu Jaminet transforms his pole position, his very first, into victory. He also signs the best lap in race. Such a wonderful race for him but not so much for others, especially for the leader Vandoorne. For the first time, the RACB driver is absent on the podium and also in points. Norman Nato and Paul Lanchere are back on the podium.

As usual for the World Series by Renault, the Hungarian meeting is synonym of heat and spectators. However, it’s the first time Mathieu Jaminet takes off in pole position. Acting as dominator since the beginning of the weekend, he hopes to do as well as Arthur Pic, 2008 Champion of the discipline, who imposed himself at the beginning of the afternoon during the first race of the Formula Renault 2.0. But in the meantime, all that counts is not to miss his departure… which he perfectly handles.

The first lap is carried out without problems, the order of the qualifying session remaining unchanged. Behind, on the other hand, Paul-Loup Chatin is now in 7th position, leaving Jean-Baptiste Lahaye and Franck Matelli passing him. Between them, Alexandre Jouannem-Sivan slips in after having left from 9th position on the starting grid.

Alexandre Mantovani, Stoffel Vandoorne and Pierre Sancinéna momentarily complete the Top Ten. Betrayed by mechanical problems, Giada De Zen flies straight into the wall of tires. The Draco Drivers Development driver luckily comes out without harm. The race is neutralized but Franck Matelli makes a mistake and finds himself in 10th position.

As soon as the safety car turns off its lights to announce its return to the pits, Mathieu Jaminet does not release his position in spite of the insisting Norman Nato. Without waiting, the fight for 4th position is given between Jean-Baptiste Lahaye and Alexandre Jouannem-Sivan. The latter seems to be impatient, multiplying his attempts. The last attempt is without doubt too optimistic and eliminates Jean-Baptiste Lahaye a little too early. A few seconds later, he rams into Stoffel Vandoorne who regains the group in last position.

At the head of the race, Mathieu Jaminet has saved himself from Norman Nato and Paul Lanchere. As far as Paul-Loup Chatin is concerned, he has gained 4th position and speeds up to join his predecessors. Alexandre Mantovani and Pierre Sancinéna are fighting for 5th position whereas Franck Matelli – having come back on the group – leads a compact group composed of Valentin Simonet, Sébastien Le Bras and Tristan Papavoine.

The latter leaves his place to Alexandre Anezo, goes back into 15th position, just in front of Stoffel Vandoorne who comes back into the fight lap after lap. A few moments before the checkered flag is waved, his efforts have no issues. Following a track exit of the Moroccan Hamza El Fatouaki, the safety car has to regain the track until the last lap.

Mathieu Jaminet continues his podium quest after those gained in Magny-Cours but this time, he climbs onto the highest step of the podium accompanied by Norman Nato and Paul Lanchere. Paul-Loup Chatin pockets the points of 4th position whereas Alexandre Mantovani finally keeps his position face to Pierre Sancinéna.

Valentin Simonet and Alexandre Anezo open their counter of points by placing themselves respectively in 8th and 10th position, behind Franck Matelli and Sébastien Le Bras. For his very first race, Pierre Nicolet finishes honorably in 13th position.


Mathieu Jaminet : «What can I say except that I am thrilled with this first victory. I did great, I love the track, the heat doesn’t bother me and I hope to do the same tomorrow as I shall be leaving yet again in pole position.»


Norman Nato : «I hadn’t climbed onto the podium since the first inaugural race and I am very happy with this 2nd position and with the important points they represent for the championship. But I hope to do better tomorrow!»


Paul Lanchere : «I very nearly didn’t come because of a problem with my passport! I love stepping onto the podium again and I dedicate this to my mother.»



- Blanca de Foronda -