GP2 – Gutiérrez regains color at Silverstone

Qualified in fourth position, Esteban Gutièrrez perfectly executed the strategy concocted by Lotus GP to achieve a second consecutive success in a long race in the GP2 Series. The Mexican took advantage of the problems encountered by Racing Engineering with the safety car to take the advantage over Fabio Leimer before heading towards the top step of the podium.

« This second victory, two weeks after that of Valencia, is very special because of the conditions in which it was obtained. Starting the race behind the safety car and cleaning up the line a little was a good thing because there was a lot of aquaplaning at the start, explains Gutièrrez. We made our stop very early and that was the key to victory because I gained a few places and when the race was neutralized again, we knew that the leader, Fabio Leimer, had not yet made his stop OBLIGATORY. From that moment on, I knew I couldn't make any mistakes, but I pushed hard to make sure I had the best lap and scored the two points that came with it. »

The next day, the Mexican was well on his way to achieving another podium at Silverstone, but he was carried away by his enthusiasm in the final turns where he clashed with Johnny Cecotto Jr. Even though he crossed the finish line in fourth position, he received a 10-place grid penalty for Hockenheim.

« We were close to getting on the podium the next day, I fought tooth and nail but the conclusion was not as good as we could have hoped, adds the Sauber team test driver. On the last lap I tried to pass Johnny Cecotto outside Stowe but he didn't give me any room and I had to go well past the curb. Coming back on track, my tires were dirty and slippery and I slightly lost control of the car, I hit Cecotto. 4th place is a great reward for the team and I am happy to leave Silverstone being 3rd in the championship. »