Sensational Superleague Formula Debut
SILVERSTONE, 4 April 2010 – Chris van der Drift completed a superb opening weekend in Superleague Formula at the English circuit of Silverstone, finishing a fine second place in race two, and picking up a very nice third placed finish in the Super Final. The 24 year old New Zealander was competing for the Olympiacos team in his very first outing in the 750hp v12 powered Superleague Formula car, picking up third place and prize money in the six car Super Final, a five lap race for the six best performing drivers of the weekend.
Unfortunately the first race for Van der Drift didn’t turn out as hoped for. As the circuit was damp it was considered marginal and wet tyres were chosen to start the race on. However it quickly became obvious to the Kiwi’s team, and the team of the only other driver on wets, that the gamble hadn’t paid off necessitating a stop to change tyres. A 13th place finish was the best that could be achieved in the 17 car field.
Due to the reverse grid format for the second race, the New Zealander begun in grid position 4, picking up a place immediately after the rolling start. The Kiwi was able to defend his position despite many attempts by more experienced drivers, finding himself in the lead for some 8 laps before ex F1 driver Sebastien Bourdais managed a pass on the Hanger Straight using his push to pass boost. Bourdais eked out a small lead by the finish line leaving van der Drift in second place and gaining enough points to enable him to compete in the Super Final. Fellow finalists included former A1 driver Alvaro Parente driving for FC Porto and Bourdais driving for French club Olympique Lyonnais. Starting from sixth position, van der Drift dramatically grabbed 2 places before turn one and then shortly after made a pass on the outside of Parente going into turn 8 giving himself third position which he held until the finish, Bourdais finishing behind him in fourth place.
“In the first race I was still trying to come to grips with the new car. During practice I had only had 5 laps on a dry track, so this was absolutely new to me”, said van der Drift over his debut in Superleague Formula. “Actually in the second race it was getting steadily better. When the Super Final began I really had no idea what to expect and how I was going to tackle it except to do my best. In addition I had never made a standing start in the car, but it went really well.”
“This has been an awesome day”, said the Kiwi driver. “Thanks to GU Racing and Olympiacos for giving me a great car. It’s been a great weekend considering I have never driven the car before. I’m over the moon.”
The next race-weekend will be held at the Dutch TT-Circuit near Assen over the weekend of 14-16 May 2010. “I don’t know the track but it is something of a home race for me and I am absolutely looking forward to it. I hope that I can expect some good support from the Dutch race fans. It would be really great if I can manage another good performance for the home crowd. Going forward this can only get better,” said van der Drift who now lies fifth overall in the championship.
Results Race 1 : Superleague Formula, Silverstone - England, Sunday 4 April:
1 Craig Dolby (ENG), Tottenham Hotspur, 25 laps in 40:51.242
2 Yelmer Buurman (NED), AC Milan, +11.298
3 Duncan Tappy (ENG), Flamengo, +22.338
13 Chris van der Drift (NZL), Olympiacos, +1.17.600
Results Race 2 : Superleague Formula, Silverstone - England, Sunday 4 April:
1 Sebastien Bourdais (FRA), Olympique Lyonnais, 25 laps in 40:27.836
2 Chris van der Drift (NZL), Olympiacos, +10.872
3 John Martin (AUS), Atletico de Madrid, +14.402
Results Race 3 Super Final : Superleague Formula, Silverstone - England, Sunday 4 April:
1 Craig Dolby (ENG), Tottenham Hotspur, 5 laps in 7.55.043
2 Max Wissel (GER), FC Basel, +1.774
3 Chris van der Drift (NZL), Olympiacos, +2.675
4 Sebastien Bourdais (FRA), Olympique Lyonnais, +3.311
5 Alvaro Parente (POR), FC Porto, +4.032
6 John Martin (AUS), Atletico de Madrid, +5.857
Championship Overall : Superleague Formula (after two races):
1 Craig Dolby (ENG), Tottenham Hotspur, 92 points
2 Alvaro Parente (POR), FC Porto, 70 points
3 Max Wissel (GER), FC Basel, 66 points
4 Chris van der Drift (NZL), Olympiacos, 61 points
5 Sebastien Bourdais (FRA), Olympique Lyonnais, 61 Points
6 John Martin (AUS), Atletico de Madrid, 59 points
