Valencia 18th April 2004

Official Race Report

Report: © Copyright Renault Sport Technologies 2004 - All rights reserved

VALENCIA April 17 Eurocup 2004 Round 2 Race 1,sun, dry track 16 laps = 64,08km. Best lap: Speed , 1’34’’186; 153,08 kph

After yesterday's downpour, the sun was back out today and shining down on some very happy faces, as they looked hungrily at the now-dry track. On pole for race 1 was Moreau (SG Formula), ahead of Pagenaud (Graff Racing), D'Ambrosio (Graff Racing) and Clairay (SG Formula). But a wheelspin from the lead man at the green light allowed Pagenaud to move ahead of Moreau, with D'Ambrosio right behind them. Maldonado (Cram Competition), from way back in tenth on the grid, leapt ahead and crossed the first timing line in third position! Pagenaud was soon away, with Maldonado climbing all over the back of D'Ambrosio in what would prove a tough fight, made even tougher by the chasing pack all closing in and queued up behind the young Belgian driver. But this didn't stop him taking the fastest lap time the second time around, with Pagenaud then claiming the honour for himself on the next lap. Baibodorov (Lukoil Racing Team) spun and retired, as did Valsecchi, Vargiu and Badey. Meanwhile, Simon Pagenaud was gradually pulling away, his lead stretching to 6.8 seconds over D'Ambrosio on lap 11, with Maldonado and Moreau 7.1 seconds behind the leader. But Maldonado had all guns blazing, the current championship leader desperate to keep a hold on the overall top spot. His constant pressure on D'Ambrosio paid off on lap 11, with Moreau also following him past. With Pagenaud unreachable our eyes were drawn further back, where fifth place Kochem (Jenzer Motorsport) managed to get the better of Kofler (JD Motorsport). There was a late charge by the Americans Fleming (Jenzer Motorsport) and Speed (Motopark Academy), with Scott even managing to take the fastest lap time in a superb 1?34?186. He would have to make do with this performance, though, as there was no catching the lead group. Pagenaud took the chequered flag, continuing the fine form he enjoyed in Monza. Maldonado's amazing efforts earned him second place ahead of Moreau, who also ran an excellent race today!

We were expecting it at Monza, but in the end Valencia was where Scott Speed (Motopark Academy) would take his first victory in the Eurocup. The American’s busy winter paid off this weekend, as he cruised home ahead of Kofler (JD Motorsport) and Clairay (SG Formula). The race was quick to take shape, Speed overtaking Pagenaud (Graff Racing) on turn one to take the lead, with Kofler doing likewise shortly after. Further back the battle was taking shape, though in a far from settled order. Their minds a little too focussed on the race, many of the drivers overlooked the yellow flags. This would cost some of them dearly, with a multitude of drive-through penalties handed out at the Ricardo Tormo circuit. Out in front, Speed was having no such worries. At the start I drove really hard to pull out a gap, then I just concentrated on not making any mistakes and not cooking the tyres. It was quite an easy race.” Behind him Kofler was settled in second, while Clairay and Kochem also managed to move past Pagenaud. The Frenchman finally regained the spark on lap 12, and got back around Kochem before being forced to retire with a broken engine on the following lap. From then on the results were decided, Speed having only to keep it on track to take his first highly awaited race win. Kofler’s second place sees him once more on the podium. “The race circumstances have gone my way, but my good qualifying time yesterday made all the difference and I’m really happy with this result.” Also tasting champagne was Yann Clairay, who was overjoyed with his finish and singing the praises of his SG Formula team. “We’ve been doing good work, and it’s paid off. It’s good to be on the podium,” he said, before enjoying a large glass of his fizzy reward.

See Qualifying Times for this event here

Check the dates of all the races in the 2004 season here

Go to home page for 2004 Season here

See latest Championship standings here

Check the dates of all the races in the 2004 season here