GP2 – Calado puts himself back in the title race

After setting the second fastest time in qualifying on a wet track, James Calado fell 10 places on the starting grid following a penalty inflicted at Silverstone. Starting in 12th position, the Racing Steps Foundation driver managed to move up to 8th place in Race 1 in order to start on pole for the Sunday event. On Sunday, Calado went it alone at the front of the race to win for the second time this season ahead of Giedo van der Garde and Felipe Nasr.

« In the first race, having moved back ten places on the grid, our only objective was to finish 8th, which we did. It was the key, Calado explains. The second race was fabulous because everything went wonderfully from the preparation to the work on the grid, and I got off to an excellent start. Then I attacked for two laps, I dug the hole but the safety car ruined my plans. I regained a good lead on the restart and attacked on the 6th and 7th laps to make sure I had the best lap, then I relieved my tires. The car was incredible and it's thanks to Lotus GP. It?s great for confidence after the bad luck of the last races, the penalties and the safety cars. It's good to be back on the top step of the podium and I will bring this confidence with me to Budapest, hoping to put myself back in the title race. »

Frédéric Vasseur, owner of the Lotus GP team, said he was proud of his drivers after this German weekend: “ We entered the weekend on tiptoe because of the two penalties and we left with 28 points having increased our lead in the championship. This is undeniably a good result. We owe it to the team who did a remarkable job, as well as to James and Esteban who were impeccable. Esteban was by far the fastest in qualifying but he was unlucky and was impressive in the race despite difficult and frustrating conditions, especially in the first race when he had to queue behind James during his pit stop. James was perfect, with 8th place in the first race, pole position and victory in the second. We have to be as competitive in Hungary, minus the penalties. »