Difference between revisions of "2010 Japanese Grand Prix"

Latest revision as of 15:07, 9 June 2011

Mark Stanton spins his Constant behind Liam Hatchell.

Finnish driver Janne Tanskanen scored a hat-trick of victories as he led a Nordsjoen Racing 1-2 at the Suzuka International Racing Course. With World Champion Joe Consiglio making his comeback in a competitive event, the Italian team's drivers controlled the race and administered their advantage over Lee Morris's CSG - the lack of power of the green and black car made obvious on Suzuka's long straights.

After a qualifying session in which 8 tenths separated pole-sitter Tanskanen and third-placed Morris, the leaders got off to a safe start while in the back debutant Tommi Koivunen in a ART car spun with no damage - the only incident in Turn 1. More drama was to follow a few turns later, as late breaking by Ashley Walsh caused a contact with Kieran Ryan - the other ART of Fernando Babij and the Red Archer of Mickael Folcher being caught up in the general fracas as well. A remarkable start by Gavin Thomas saw the Welshman, who started in 21th place, rise up to 9th before the end of the first lap.

A series of crashes, taking out the likes of Koivunen and Wayne Mullins, bring the field to 13 drivers by the end of lap 12. Those who are expecting the crash-fest to continue, however, were disappointed as no further retirements happened in the remainder of the race.

Behind the top three, who remained virtually unchanged throughout the day, a heroic performance from Folcher ensured P4 - a history best for Red Archer - while Mark Stanton opened Constant Racing's account for 2010 with a 7th place.

The win in the Japanese Grand Prix extended Tanskanen's lead in the Championship, while Joe Consiglio's second place was also beneficial to Nordsjoen, who opened a gap ahead of CSG Racing.