Big names fail to make the grade
Success at the Grand Prix of Russia on Sunday gave Swedish driver Jonas Andersson his second Formula I win of the year moving him within ten points of the championship lead.
The highlight of the race was a two boat battle between Italian Guido Cappellini and third pole starter Thani Al Qamzi. Thani Al Qamzi moved passed the Italian ace to dominate the event until breaking down on the 40th lap. This allowed nine-time world champion Cappellini to head the fleet himself but this was short-lived when he broke down three laps later ending his dream of finishing within three points of the American championship leader, Jay Price. Price however was already out of the contest with similar engine problems.
It was after this that Andersson moved up to take over the lead before a yellow flag incident forced the fleet to slow. This proved an advantage as the Swede headed for the chequered flag to finish just ahead of defending champion, Sami Selio of Finland.
¨I’m so excited for my team and the hard work they carried out over the past few days getting the boat ready, ¨ said Jonas. ¨Now we are within ten points of Jay and are ready to focus during the summer on our tactics and achieve first title.¨
Italian Fabio Comparato of the 800 Doctor Team earned his first podium in 16 races coming up from ninth pole to finish third and move to seventh on the championship table with 19 points.
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The gruelling, 50 lap event was a race of attrition with eight of the 22 starters retiring with a variety of problems
The next event on the schedule will be in China on October 1. Meanwhile American Jay Price heads the series with Jonas Andersson second, Ahmad Al Hameli third and Guido Cappellini fourth.
