Carlos Sainz Jr. became only the third man to stand a top the Formula BMW Europe podium after winning the second of the series' race at Silverstone.
Just as in the first race the rookie Spanish driver started the 11 lap race from pole. But, just as in the first race the 15-year-old found himself jumped by the more experienced man starting alongside him on the grid, Robin Frijns the man who led into the first corner in his Josef Kaufmann Racing machine.
However, unlike the first race Sainz refused to let the new leader escape, remaining in second, close behind for the opening laps before snatching back the lead.
“Again, I didn't have a really good start,” admite Sainz. “I knew the others had more experience than me and they would start much faster than me, but after a few laps behind Robin I felt I had a better pace and I tried to overtake him and managed to do this. He was very fair with me when I did it. I want to thank the team and my family who are always there helping me. I am really, really happy as it was a perfect weekend for me.”
Pushed back to second Frijns now had to deal with championship leader Jack Harvey who had held position from his third place grid slot, but as the battles behind them intensified the leading trio were able to make a break, from those behind – and from each other.
Sainz went on to win by 2.3 second from Frijns (not the first time Spain who beat The Netherlands on the day) with Harvey, the race one winner a further second behind, his championship lead eroded slightly by Frijns.
“I feel quite well. It was second again. Luckily Jack finished behind me so this is good for the championship,” said Frinjs. “I was strong in the first sector, but had too much oversteer in the fast corners and Carlos was just a bit faster than me. I was holding Jack up a little, but that was it really. In the last lap I took it easy as my rear left wheel was a bit loose, so I was lucky I finished the race.”
Eifelland Racing driver Facu Regalia repeated his first race showing in fourth, having pressurised Harvey early on and Petri Suvanto, Frijn's teammate finished fifth to be the second best rookie in the race, naturally behind Sainz.
“It was quite a good race and I had a good start, but had to fend off Facu for the first two laps,” described Harvey. “However, after that I managed to establish a gap to him in the right areas. I tried to chase down Robin but couldn't really get close enough. I tried to overtake him but made a mistake on the exit of Maggots and lost the rear part of my floor on the car, so after that I didn't have as much downforce.”
“It was a really good weekend so I am looking forward to Hockenheim. My goal here was to try and get a home win, which I did yesterday, I have had two podiums so I couldn't really ask for any more.”
