René Rast continued his perfect Saturday in Bahrain as he opened his Mobil 1 Supercup account for the 2010 season with a win in the first race.
The German lead the race from start to finish as he leaped from the grid, beating Stefan Rosina and Nick Tandy in to the first corner. “I got away very well at the start and could pull away somewhat in the first two laps.” said a delighted Rast after the race.
Second place fell to the Slovakian driver Stefan Rosina as he battled it out with Jan Seyffarth, Jeroen Bleekemolen and Nick Tandy in the opening stages of the race.
“Second place is a great success that the team deserves.” said Rosina, “We worked very hard for this having tested a great deal and heading into the season very well prepared. I hope this start gives us even more motivation for a successful year.”
British driver Nick Tandy held third place for most of the race only to see Seyffarth jolt past on the eighth lap, edging the Befordshire based driver off the podium. After the race he admitted he and the team had made some mistakes in setting the car up, concentrating too heavily on the start of the race leading to him losing pace in the closing stages. A good result for Tandy as he hadn’t driven on the circuit before yesterday.
Seyffarth was happy with his podium finish after dueling with defending Supercup champion Jeroen Bleekemolen throughout the race before passing Tandy for third spot. “My start wasn't too bad, but I still lost a position. Nevertheless, I managed to achieve third place and I'm very pleased with this result. I had a similar duel with Jeroen Bleekemolen here two years ago when I didn't manage to pass him, this time it worked. I hope that's a good omen for Sunday.”
Norbert Siedler who started in fifth place failed to finish after retiring in to the pits with technical problems on the opening lap of the race.
Further down the field Porsche Carrera Cup GB reigning champion Tim Bridgman made his Supercup debut, finishing a respectable eleventh after an eventful race. Bridgman had a great start making up places on the first corner only to lose out later in the race as he was forced wide and off track. The Stansted based driver was happy with the pace of the car, admitting that the first race was more like an extended test session for him.
Bridgman’s team-mate Niall Breen soundend a little harassed in his interview after the race saying that it was a little more hectic that what he was used to in single-seaters after a spin on Lap 2 lost him positions.
Race 2 takes place tomorrow at 9am UK time.
