Saturday in Pau and finally the weather was clear with a dry track for the first time in Qualifying 1.
My run on the first set of tyres went relatively well, getting a feel for the first time (as was everyone) on how hard we could push around the tight circuit on slicks and in dry conditions. With around 10 mins to go we pitted to switch to our second set. After a preparation lap I felt that the grip was there and started a push lap. Unfortunately under braking into turn 3 I locked the fronts and ended in the tyre barrier. As a result I would start race 1 out of P15.
The team at Fortec were amazing in fixing the car under a good deal of time pressure to do so. With minutes to spare all was ready to go once again, so I cannot thank the team enough.
In the race there were spots of drizzle, and some elected to start on wets. We stuck with slicks and I got away very well off the line and made up two places around the sweeping first corner and then under braking into turn 2 managed to pass a further two drivers around the outside and then held this position on the run to the inside of the next corner. (See clip below starting from the rear)
Through the race I had an intense battle with Aldo Festante putting as much pressure on him as I could and in the end could bring the car home in 7th place and into the points.
Qualifying 2 and the Pau Grand Prix tomorrow, so very much looking forward to that. The atmosphere here is amazing!
