Davide Valsecchi gets out of his car after rolling in Sunday's race - Photo Credit: Alastair Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
The DAMS team were pleased with their level of performance in the GP2 season opener in Malaysia, though hoped for a little more luck to allow them to convert their promise into a victory.
The French outfit, who carried Romain Grosjean to the drivers' title last season, left Sepang in the lead of the teams' points after a podium finish each from pilots Davide Valsecchi and Felipe Nasr.
Valsecchi had secured pole position in a close qualifying session, but could only finish second in the feature race. He rolled out of the sprint race in a dramatic looking accident after contact from Marcus Ericsson.
The Italian was understandably disappointed with how his weekend turned out, even if he does lie second in the drivers' standings.
“My accident in the second race is a real pity,” he said. “But we know the car's quick. I'm still frustrated at letting victory slip through my grasp in the first heat. It was my fault as I fluffed my start. The whole team deserved it and I hope to make amends at the next round in Bahrain.”
Teammate Nasr made an impressive GP2 debut, defying his relative lack of experience to finish sixth in the opening race and then third in on Sunday. The British F3 champion hopes it's a sign of things to come.
“I'm really pleased with my first podium finish on my maiden GP2 appearance,” said the Brazilian ace. “It feels great. It rewards the work of the team whom I'd like to thank. We've got great potential and we're working in the right direction. I hope this podium will be followed by many others.”
Team CEO Jean-Paul Driot added: “I'd like to congratulate the whole team for the excellent work this weekend. Pole position, podiums for Davide and Felipe on his first weekend in GP2. It's obvious that in terms of performance the car, the team and the drivers all have what it takes. With just a little more help from Lady Luck, victory will come very soon – let's hope in the next race!”
