|
Strong qualifying performance ruined by race misfortune for Salman Al Khalifa |
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, 14 August 2007 |
Bahraini racing driver Salman Al Khalifa produced his best qualifying performance of the year at the weekend, but left rounds 15 and 16 of the British F3 International Series at Silverstone pointless after misfortune in both races.
Having qualified third in the National Class for both races, the 2005 Formula BMW Asia champion was targeting podium finishes on his first-ever visit to the Northamptonshire circuit, but found his luck was out during Sunday’s race day.
Race one was only seconds old when Salman was taken out in a melee
heading into Copse corner. The T-Sport driver was pitched into a spin
after being hit up the inside following an overly ambitious move from a
fellow competitor. In the resulting chaos Salman’s race was ended in
turn one along with that of Michael Meadows and Viktor Jensen.
Race two saw Salman make a better start and hold his third place in the
early stages, matching the race pace of the class leaders.
Unfortunately, after seven laps, an electrical problem caused his
Dallara-Mugen Honda to lose power exiting Woodcote and cruise to a
standstill at the end of the pit straight.
Salman said: “When I make a mistake I hold my hands up and accept it,
but when you’re put out of the race at the first corner through no
fault of your own it’s difficult to take. In race two I made a really
good start, probably one of my best ever, so when we had the electrical
problem it was like waking up from the sweetest dream ever by falling
out of bed! Every driver has days like these and the important thing is
that I am where I need to be in terms of pace.”
T-Sport Team Principal Russell Eacott said: “I’m massively disappointed
for Salman. He was taken out of race one through no fault of his own
and in race two the master switch failed when he was in P3 and running
on the pace of Frankie Cheng ahead. Despite that I am really encouraged
because he made a big step in qualifying. He has picked up his
performance once more since the last round at Spa and I think we can
find even more pace from him.”
Highlights of the British F3 International Series can be viewed on Motors TV (www.motorstv.com) on Saturday 25 August at 3pm.
|
