Tottenham Hostpur claims opening race at Zolder
19/07/2009
Tottenham Hotspur claimed the opening Superleague Formula by Sonangol race honours at Zolder this morning.
The British club’s driver Craig Dolby led home the front row starting Glasgow Rangers machine of John Martin (AUS) by 2.075secs in the 44 minute plus one-lap race which featured two Safety Car periods.
SF championship leader Adrián Vallés (SP) increased his lead for Liverpool FC by finishing third – a further 1.3secs adrift – managing to stave off the advances of FC Basel’s Max Wissel (D) who set the fastest race lap.
The pole-starting FC Midtylland car of Kasper Andersen (DEN) led until making his compulsory pit-stop on lap 15 but stalled his engine at the stop. The Dane resumed in 13th but spun across the track on lap 19 bringing out the Safety Car two laps later leaving a four minute sprint to the chequered flag.
A multi-car collision exiting the first corner on the opening lap had necessitated a Safety Car period. The accident eliminated the Sporting Clube de Portugal, SC Corinthian and Atlético de Madrid cars.
Tottenham Hotspur: Craig Dolby (GB)
“It’s a fantastic maiden SLF win for Tottenham Hotspur and for me. My car’s rear diffuser was broken at the first corner melee. I just pushed as hard as I could and my team did a great pit-stop.”
Glasgow Rangers: John Martin (AUS)
“I lost time during the pit-stop when the car slipped off the front jack – just like at Magny Cours. If it hadn’t have been for that problem we’d have been very close to the Spurs car but it’s good to score well today.”
Liverpool FC: Adrián Vallés (SP)
“I extended my championship lead and that is the most important thing. The start was crazy but I was up to third at the first corner. I was catching FC Midtylland before he pitted but then his problem in the pits delayed my stop ‘window’ – it was a race I could have won”.
Race 1 Results:
1 19 Tottenham Hotspur SF Racing Team C. Dolby 45:42.338
2 17 Rangers FC SF Racing Team J. Martin 45:44.413 2.075
3 21 Liverpool FC SF Racing Team A. Vallés 45:45.750 3.412
4 10 FC Basel SF Racing Team M. Wissel 45:46.379 4.041
5 3 AC Milan SF Racing Team G. Pantano 45:47.076 4.738
6 6 Al-Ain FC SF Racing Team E. Guerrieri 45:49.397 7.059
7 7 Flamengo SF Racing Team E. Bernoldi 45:51.913 9.575
8 8 RSC Anderlecht SF Racing Team Y. Buurman 45:53.107 10.769
9 4 Galatasaray SF Racing Team D. Tappy 45:53.399 11.061
10 9 Olympiacos SF Racing Team D. Rigon 45:54.104 11.766
11 22 AS Roma SF Racing Team J. Kennard 45:54.988 12.650
12 16 FC Porto Racing Team T. Gommendy 45:55.528 13.190
13 24 FC Midtjylland SF Racing Team K. Andersen 30:06.22510
14 69 Olympique Lyonnais SF Racing Team N. Panciatici 45:05.125
15 5 PSV Eindhoven SF Racing Team D. Muermans 11:43.785
16 2 Sporting Clube de Portugal SF Racing Team P. Petiz - -
17 14 Corinthians SF Racing Team A. Pizzonia - -
18 15 Atlético de Madrid SF Racing Team H. P. Tung - -
SL Formula