It was a good opening race performance by Prema Powerteam at Hockenheim, with all four drivers securing points in the wet conditions that saw three interruptions by the safety car.
Felix Rosenqvist was naturally disappointed to have lost the lead on the opening lap after being passed by the Jagonya Ayam with Carlin of Antonio Giovinazzi exiting the hairpin, but overall was happy with his podium finish, as he knows just how long the season is.
“I haven’t had the greatest start as I got too much wheel spin,” insisted Rosenqvist. “It’s been a brief moment, because I exited the first corner in the lead anyway. At the hairpin though, Giovinazzi managed to pass me by taking a different line.
“I didn’t back down and I tried fight back as hard as I could, but he was just perfect. Second place is ok, this is a really long season and I needed points”.
Team-mate Jake Dennis finished fourth having started sixth on the grid, and fought Van Amersfoort Racing’s Charles Leclerc on the opening lap before dropping in behind the Monegasque driver until the end.
“I had a good jump from the sixth place on the grid,” insisted Dennis. “I gained two positions and then, during the first lap, I fought with Leclerc for third place.
“It was too dangerous though, so I focused in not making mistakes, as the track surface was really tricky, and in keeping fourth place until the chequered flag, a feature I managed to accomplish.
“For Race 2 I will be 7th on the grid and I hope to repeat the same performance of today”.
Both Lance Stroll and Brandon Maisano also secured points on Friday, with the Canadian sixth and the Frenchman in ninth.
