Double Trouble Compromises Race Hopes

Car  9: Oliver Turvey    (GBR) - retired (accident, lap one)
Car 10: Davide Valsecchi (ITA) - 10th

The history books will record only that Davide Valsecchi finished 10th in the opening GP2 race at Valencia - a bald statistic that does little to reflect the Italian's true pace. The event began chaotically, with the Safety Car in place for the first three laps after a series of collisions eliminated nine drivers, but Valsecchi lay third when the race resumed at the beginning of lap four. His afternoon was effectively ruined moments later, however, when he brushed wheels with early leader Sergio Perez, who spun off as a result. The Mexican had just run wide and was attempting to reclaim the racing line, but stewards ruled that the collision was Valsecchi's fault and a drive-through penalty inevitably dropped him down the field.

Davide Valsecchi (ITA, iSport International). Credit: Drew Gibson/GP2 Media

Team-mate Oliver Turvey's race was significantly shorter - and even less sweet. He was caught up in the first accident of the race and had to pull off at Turn Two, minus his rear wing.

"I clearly had a very strong chance of finishing on the podium today, but it wasn't to be. All sorts of things were happening on the opening lap, but they were going on behind the leading group so I didn't know too much about them. Sergio Perez led initially, but he lost out at the restart and then ran slightly wide going into Turn Twelve. I stuck to the racing line and actually slowed down in an effort to avoid him as he came back across, but our cars touched and my front left wheel clipped his right rear. I honestly believe it was just a normal racing accident - one of those things that happens sometimes when two cars are wheel to wheel - but you are not allowed to appeal when a drive-through penalty is awarded. That dropped me back into the midfield pack - and there's not much you can do once you get into that situation. The car felt quick, but unless the driver ahead makes a mistake it is almost impossible to overtake at this circuit."

"There's not much I can say about a race that lasted less than half a minute. The midfeld was bunched up quite closely on the approach to Turn Two, so I just tried to find a bit of clear space and get through the corner cleanly. I was minding my own business when somebody hit me from behind and that was that. When the first race of the weekend goes this badly, it almost certainly condemns you to another disappointing result on Sunday. There isn't much scope for damage limitation at a circuit such as this, but I'll do what I can."

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