A good start for DAMS

The Formula Renault 3.5 Series Championship got off to a great start for DAMS thanks to Kevin Magnussen’s double top-3 finish and Norman Nato’s promising points-scoring debut. After the Italian round, the French squad and its Danish driver are lying second in both the drivers’ and teams’ championships. Throughout the weekend at Monza the weather played havoc with the strategists’ plans. This did not prevent the DAMS drivers from showing that they were on the pace right from the first free practice held in wet conditions. The team, though, was disappointed with the first qualifying session – still in the wet – in which Magnussen and Nato set the seventh and thirteenth-fastest times.

The first race on Saturday in dry confirmed that the French outfit was on the pace. The Danish driver made a good start and was soon involved in the battle at the front of the field as he was glued to the tail of the leaders. Towards the end of the heat Magnussen took advantage of Da Costa’s puncture to snatch second place. Nato made a solid debut and he finished his first FR 3.5 race in tenth spot setting excellent times.
The weather was still up to its tricks on Sunday. Qualifying again took place on a wet track and Magnussen set the third-best time and Nato the tenth.

The start of the second heat took place in fine weather. The Dane was battling for first place with Da Costa and Vandoorne and he even led the race briefly before the Portuguese passed him again. Throughout, the gap was never more than second and Kevin scored another very promising second place. Nato also put on a great performance by fighting his way up to sixth at a stunning pace!

François Sicard, managing director: “It’s been a very positive first weekend. The team did a great job; already we’re all working very well together and the results are coming in. We knew that Kevin was quick and he confirmed it this weekend. He’s a title contender. We’re absolutely delighted with Norman’s debut; he‘s made progress and scored points in his first two races. Overall we’re very satisfied – and it’s only the start!”

Kevin Magnussen: “In general, the season’s got off to a good start. We knew the car was quick right from the opening practice session. It’s a pity I didn’t start from higher up the grid in the first race. We’ve just got to find that little extra edge in performance and I’m confident we’re working in the right direction. Rendezvous at the next round!”

Norman Nato: “I’m pretty happy with my debut. First of all, a big thanks to the team who did a great job. I’ve scored points, but I was hoping to do a bit better after the first free practice session. Now, I know the areas in which I have to work to improve. In particular I’ll have to qualify better; that’ll be a big help. I’m aiming to score points in each race and I’m hoping for greater things very quickly – like the podium!”

Next round: Motorland Aragon: 27-28 April 2013