Both Jagonya Ayam with Carlin drivers finished inside the points in the Monaco round of the Formula Renault 3.5 Series with Tom Dillmann securing third and Sean Gelael eighth after both avoiding the first corner incident that eliminated and delayed a number of drivers.
Dillmann was happy to finish on the podium after admitting his disappointment of qualifying only seventh during Saturday’s qualifying session. He was able to control his pace once in third place having avoided the carnage at the first corner.
“After yesterday I’m so happy to finish on a high; to finish on such a prestigious podium in Monaco from seventh on the grid,” said Dillmann.
“I had a great start as I avoided the pile up in turn one which I didn’t in GP2 before! Once I was third it was just about controlling the gap and not taking any risks, because it was the first podium for Jagonya Ayam in Formula Renault 3.5. I’m happy with a podium from seventh.”
Team-mate Gelael was happy to secure his first points in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series after stepping up from European Formula 3, especially after having so little track time after stopping on track during the sole free practice session on Friday. The Indonesian driver felt he had a good start, and revealed his confidence grew as the race went on.
“I’m really happy,” insisted Gelael. “I had a good start off the line, took one or two cars and then was able to get on the inside for the first corner.
“I was anticipating there would be a crash and I was able to avoid everything and was up to p9. Then Van Buuren tried to make a move on the car in front and they crashed and I was up to p7.
“I was still struggling for pace in the start and but the pace came back to us at the end. It’s a confidence thing more than anything, after only doing seven laps on Friday and not so good qualifying, luck finally came to us today.
“I want to say thank to everyone for their help and support, it feels great to take points on my first visit to Monaco.”
