A middling Monaco weekend for DAMS
After making an excellent debut in the Porsche Supercup in Barcelona the French team tacked the Monaco rendezvous with all the respect due to its legendary reputation, and also with a strong dose of ambition. In terms of performance DAMS confirmed its potential with debutant Richie Stanaway’s seventh place, while Michael Christensen fell foul of the traps on the Monaco roller-coaster in qualifying.
As was the case for all the races in Monaco the qualifying session determined the basic finishing order. The New Zealander managed to set an encouraging sixth-quickest time, while his Danish team-mate was unable to find a clear lap and ended the session down in twentieth place.
The race in fact was a procession and the DAMS drivers were unable to improve their lot. Although Stanaway lost a place at the start, which he was unable to claw back, he came first in the rookie classification. Christensen, who was quick enough to fight for a top-three finish, spun after being hit by another car. Thus, it was a middling weekend although the potential both in terms of the team and the drivers augurs for a better future.
François Sicard, DAMS Managing Director: “As usual at Monaco the race was a procession as it was impossible to overtake. The team did a good job and Richie’s result holds a lot of promise. It’s really a pity that Michael wasn’t able to find a single lap in clean air in qualifying: he had the potential to score a top-three finish. Without doubt it’s only a matter of time. We’ve now got a month ahead of us and we’re going to redouble our efforts for the next round in England.”
Michael Christensen: “I was hoping to have a better weekend and I’m very sorry for the team, as the car was running really well. At Monaco you have to have a little luck in qualifying and not be held up to get a good place on the grid. I was caught out by the traffic and my race was ruined before it even started! I’ve lost points in the championship but with the potential of the team, I’m convinced that we’re going to get our challenge back on the rails in the next race.”
Richie Stanaway: “For my first outing in Monaco it wasn’t too bad. I finished seventh and first rookie so it’s pretty satisfying. I lost a place on the first lap so I think was possible to do a little bit better. Overtaking in Monaco is quite simply impossible. In any case the team’s really top drawer. We’re going to continue working hard for the coming races and I hope to improve quickly.”
Next round: Silverstone 30th June.
