|
Close Racing All-Round For Yokohama |
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, 19 June 2007 |
Yokohama ADVAN tyres were the key to Jerome D’Ambrosio’s success today in Brno for International Formula Master’s (IFM) first race of the weekend.
The Belgian took his maiden IFM win in the Series' fifth round at the Czech circuit and says he relied heavily on his ADVANs' grip to overtake three drivers at the circuit, which is known for its low down-force and difficult corners.
“They were really good," said the 21-year-old. "I pushed very hard to
get Chris van der Drift and I was worried I would loose the pace at
some point during the race. I was pushing that much harder to overtake
but the tyres were always there, no matter what I did!
“It’s a very demanding circuit where good balance and tyres are key to being successful and I had both!”
Six separate teams appeared in the top six finishers, demonstrating the
tyres' versatility with different set-ups and the Yokohama says it is
delighted to have promoted such a close and exciting race.
The Japanese manufacturer is also the official tyre partner of the FIA
World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) and today’s qualifying session
saw an extremely tight grid, with the top six within one second of each
other.
BMW driver Felix Porteiro led the way, closely followed by reigning
champion Andy Priaulx, whose speed is all the more remarkable
considering his 55kgs of success ballast. Priaulx’s fastest time was
only three tenths-of-a-second slower than pole, showing the ADVAN’s
ability to overcome the considerable extra load.
“I had three good laps on my tyres today,” said Priaulx, who is
currently leading the Drivers Championship. “My last set were
responding extremely well to the car and the track but I had problems
with traffic which stopped me from trying for pole one final time. The
weight ballast didn’t affect my qualifying session today but we will
have to see for tomorrow. In any case, it might be difficult to win but
I will definitely be able to fight for points.”
Commenting on the day’s track action, Yokohama Europe Marketing Manager
Kazuyoshi Sekiguchi said: “There have been five different IFM winners
in as many races so far this season which shows our product works well
for everyone. Today’s WTCC qualifying was closely fought with Porteiro
posting the fastest time with only seconds left of the session. To know
that the Yokohama ADVAN contributes to such high quality of racing is a
great reward for our team.”
International Formula Master Brno Race One
1. Jerome D'Ambrosio (BEL), Cram Competition
2. Maximilian Goetz (GER), ISR
3. Chris van der Drift (NED), J.D. Motorsport
4. Alberto Costa (ITA), Euronova Racing
5. Rahel Frey (SUI), Jenzer Motorsport
6. Pablo Sanchez Lopez (MEX), Alan Racing
7. Giuseppe Terranova (ITA), Alan Racing
8. Salvatore Gatto (ITA), Alan Racing
FIA WTCC Brno Qualifying
1. Félix Porteiro (ESP), BMW 320si, 2:11.585
2. Andy Priaulx (GBR), BMW 320si, 2:11.949
3. Joerg Muller (GER), BMW 320si, 2:12.042
4. Alessandro Zanardi (ITA), BMW 320si, 2:12.145
5. Jordi Gene (ESP), SEAT Leon, 2:12.376
6. Augusto Farfus (BRA), BMW 320si, 2:12.406
7. Pierre-Yves Corthals (BEL), SEAT Leon, 2:12.607
8. Alain Menu (SUI), Chevrolet Lacetti, 2:12.669
|
News