Misfortune for Chris van der Drift at Eurospeedway Lausitz

Klettwitz, May 01 2005 – Set-up problems prevented Chris van der Drift to repeat his double podium finish from a fortnight ago at the Eurospeedway Lausitz this weekend. In the third and fourth round for the 2005 Formula BMW ADAC Championship, the 2004 ‘Rookie of the Year’ finished his races in 9th and 17th position. In the championship standings, Van der Drift is now in fourth position.

QUALIFYING
Where the rain brought Van der Drift a good qualifying result for this season opening races at Hockenheim two weeks ago, this weekends sunny circumstances did not bring the desired grid positions the Dutch New-Zealander hoped for. Like in the pre-season tests, Van der Drift was left puzzled by his performance as he struggled in to find the right set-up in the two qualifying sessions of each 20 minutes. Though Team Rosberg investigated many possible solutions before this weekend, and Van der Drift once again gave it his best shot, the former multiple New Zealand go-kart champion could do no better than to qualify in 13th position for both races on Saturday and Sunday.

Chris van der Drift: “It’s very strange, but for some reason I haven’t been able to match last year’s pace so far this season. Though we several times tried to alter the set-up to my likes, we still haven’t found a proper solution that brings us the required pace to do well. For the races however, I do not worry too much, as I’ve proven many times before I’m always able to fight my way back to the front.”

RACE 01 + 02
On Saturday afternoon, Van der Drift puts his words in action as he already overtakes six cars at the start of the first race at the 3,442 kilometer long track near Berlin. Though the team booked some progress set-up wise overnight, ‘Vandy’ still comes somewhat short to retain his 7th position as the race continues. After 15 tough laps Van der Drift crosse s the finishline in ninth position, handing him two more valuable championship points.
A jumpstart in the second race on Sunday morning, prevents Van der Drift to convert his progress in some more championship points. After ‘Kiwi’ returns on the track in last position after his drive-through-penalty, he still sees chance to bounce back to a creditable 17th position at the finish.

Chris van der Drift: “I’m proud of my performance on Saturday, but to be honest, I would like to forget today’s race as soon as possible. Because it actually took quite long before the lights went out, I decided to take a gamble. That obviously didn’t worked out as planned, but one has to take risks in order to finish in the points when you start in the midfield like I did. The positive thing about this weekend is that we found some things on the car what will bring me further up the grid in the next races. Therefore I’m already looking forward to the next meeting at Spa-Francorchamps!”

RESULT RACE 01 EUROSPEEDWAY LAUSITZ
01. Sebastien Buemi, ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg, 21:23.999
02. Nicolas Hülkenberg, Josef Kaufmann Racing, + 03.256s
03. Natacha Gachnang, Josef Kaufmann Racing, + 03.962s
09. CHRIS VAN DER DRIFT, TEAM ROSBERG, + 14.700s

RESULT RACE 02 EUROSPEEDWAY LAUSITZ
01. Nicolas Hülkenberg, Josef Kaufmann Racing, 21:33.596
02. Nick de Bruijn, Josef Kaufmann Racing, + 00.759s
03. Sebastien Buemi, ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg, + 01.399s
17. CHRIS VAN DER DRIFT, TEAM ROSBERG, + 231.232s