More Points For Pic, Accident Sidelines Gonzalez

Charles Pic completed a successful Valencia weekend in this morning's GP2 Series sprint race, although the result did not quite match his ambitions. From third on the grid, the Frenchman lost two places during another chaotic first lap that sidelined several drivers - the second time this has happened in as many days. He swiftly reclaimed one position, but was later unable to repel the advances of series leader Pastor Maldonado (Rapax). Pic went on to finish a comfortable fifth to add another points finish to his tally.

Charles Pic (FRA, Arden International) leads Dani Clos (ESP, Racing Engineering) and Pastor Maldonado (VEN, Rapax). Credit: Alastair Staley/GP2 Media

The race began fantastically well for team-mate Rodolfo Gonzalez, who moved up from 21st to 11th as he skirted around the carnage, but the Venezuelan retired on lap two after a collision with Josef Kral (Super Nova). The Czech driver's car somersaulted after riding over one of Gonzalez's rear wheels and the Safety Car was deployed for several laps to allow track officials to free Kral and clear the wreckage.

"That was a bad start. I lost three places, but managed to recover two of them quite quickly. I tried to pass Michael Herck, because I could see I was quicker than him, but braked too late and the opportunity was lost. Herck pulled away a little after the Safety Car period, because I had a lapped car ahead of me - and when I tried to pass it I slipped wide and Pastor Maldonado managed to get ahead. That was that, really, because I was unable to get back on terms with him. The car felt better today than it did yesterday and overall it has been a good weekend. We have a strong platform on which to build for future races."

"The race began well and ended disappointingly, but the main thing is that Josef and I are both OK. All I can do is look forward to the next race, at Silverstone. It's the team's home circuit and I hope that might bring me a little luck."

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