DAMS Recover for Points
DAMS recovered to score points after a tough start to the Formula 2 weekend in Spa.
The weekend started pout with Dan Ticktum getting an inconclusive COVID-19 test, meaning he had to miss the only practice session of the weekend. The Brit qualified 14th even with only getting a few laps at the start of qualifying to get himself up to speed in the car.
Ticktum managed to get himself into the points, taking third in the reverse grid Sprint Race. He was then hit on lap four and ended up out of the points.
Dan Ticktum said: “The start of the weekend was very tricky because I had an inconclusive COVID-19 test, so I wasn’t allowed into the paddock until I had a re-test which came back negative. Having missed practice, I made a lot of mistakes on my qualifying lap because it was the first time I pushed the car, and the red flags made it more difficult. We moved forward nicely in the Feature Race to sixth, and the pace was really strong, which placed us well for the Sprint Race. I had a good start, took the lead straight away then, unfortunately, got hit and my day was pretty much done because I had front wing damage, but we could have had a win. On the plus side, the pace is there so on to the next one.”
Meanwhile, Juri Vips only stepped into an F2 car for the practice session. Unfortunately in qualifying, Vips put the car into safety mode by using both the brake and throttle at the same time to prepare the tyres, and he didn’t know the restart procedure. While it was tough, DAMS found it understandable with the team and series being new to the Estonian driver.
Vips ended up stalling on the grid of the Sprint Race and had to start from the pit lane. Even so, he showed some good pace as he made his way through the field. The Estonian driver did get some experience in an F2 car, ready for the two Italian rounds.
Juri Vips said: “I am very thankful for the opportunity DAMS gave me this weekend to take part in F2. I was surprised the pace was so good, given it was my first experience of the car, but we didn’t really get the results we should have because of a few small errors on my side that had very big consequences. We were matching the cars ahead of us, it’s just a shame we couldn’t take part in qualifying, but it was a good learning experience. If we eliminate the small mistakes, then we will be right up there.”
While DAMS didn’t get the results the team expected, they are hoping to bounce back for Monza in less than a week.
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Image Credits: (C) Formula Motorsport Limited
