Romain Grosjean reigns over Istanbul

His departure was perfect. His lead increased over the laps, so much so that when he came out of his pit stop, the Dams driver had a lead of more than five seconds. The situation seemed under control, but his first pursuer, Sam Bird, reduced the gap in the last part of the race to catch up with the lead. Grosjean in the last loops. In the final, taking advantage of an error by the double GP2 Asia champion, Bird tried to open the gap which his rival quickly closed, finishing only 3/10th of a second ahead.

« I am of course very happy to start the championship in this way, rejoices Romain Grosjean. The team and I have worked a lot since GP2 Asia to find the right solutions. It was a very interesting race which will allow us to progress further! Congratulations to everyone and to us for continuing to work well ».

Qualified in 4th place, Jules Bianchi was the author of a good race, the Lotus ART driver nevertheless taking advantage of Luca Filippi?s retirement to take the third step of the podium, not without having had a lot to contend with to Dani Clos and Giedo Van der Garde. Proof of the merciless fight between Grosjean and Bird, Jules cuts the line more than half a minute behind the duettists.

Third French driver at the start, Charles Pic finished in 7th place, snatching his result at the cost of two overtakes on Marcus Ericsson and Dani Clos.

Find, in issue 1804 of AUTOhebdo, on newsstands Wednesday May 11, the complete report of the GP2 Series in Istanbul.