31/07/2008
NEWS STORY
The Hungaroring is one of the trickiest tracks of the calendar. It is yet another challenge for the 26 GP2 drivers. After six thrilling rounds in 2008, Racing Engineering's Italian talent Giorgio Pantano is still leading the Championship with 63 points ahead of iSport International's Brazilian ace Bruno Senna on 48 points. Both men are the only two drivers this season to have won more than once, Pantano – again - leading with 3 wins to 2 for Senna. Behind them, ART Grand Prix's Romain Grosjean made a strong comeback in Germany two weeks ago, scoring 11 points, but losing his win in the feature race for the benefit of Pantano after the Frenchman was handed a 25 second penalty. In fourth place, after a brilliant return to the competition, Barwa International Campos Team's Lucas di Grassi had a more difficult time during the German round. He still managed to score four points and he is now standing fourth in the drivers' championship ahead of Karun Chandhok whose win in last sprint race allowed iSport International to stay on top of the Teams' Championship.
The Hungarian track has been part of the GP2 Series calendar since the championship started in 2005 and is a popular venue for its on and off track action. After Monaco, the circuit has the lowest average speed of any GP2 venue. It's a tricky, technical track where the corners follow each other quickly and even the start finish straight is relatively short.
Despite the physical demands this puts on the drivers, Campos' Lucas di Grassi is a fan of the Hungaroring's twists and turns. "The circuit is very nice," explains di Grassi. "One of the most technical layouts of the season. It's not very fast but it has a lot of different types of corners especially in sector two. And, despite what you might see in F1, in GP2 there are certain points where you can overtake. "I have fond memories from last year's GP2 races – I was very competitive and lead race one for about 10 laps until the safety car came out and I eventually finished fourth. Likewise I finished fourth in race two as well."
Schedule
Friday
11.55 – 12.25 Practice
16.00 – 16.30 Qualifying
Saturday
16.00 Race 1
Sunday
10.30 Race 2