mixed fortunes in season finale

11 September 2011

It was a story of mixed fortunes for Carlin’s GP3 drivers today, in the final race of the 2011 season. American racer Conor Daly had the podium in his sights from his third place grid slot, but had little chance to show his potential after being taken out of the race in the early stages. It was left to team mate Callum MacLeod to show the pace of the Carlin car – who came through from 11th to cross the line in the points in 5th place. Leonardo Cordeiro also failed to finish after spinning out whilst in 12th.

As the lights went out for the final time this season, Daly made a good start, slotting in behind the two front row men to hold onto third. Over the opening laps, Daly stayed clear of any incidents, as leaders Antonio Felix da Costa and Mitch Evans jostled for the lead.

Daly was right with the leaders when suddenly his fortunes changed in a ridiculous accident, as newly crowned GP3 champion Valterri Bottas out braked himself and hit Daly hard from behind, putting the Carlin man immediately out of the race. Bottas was able to rejoin but was later handed a drive through penalty for the incident.

Cordeiro was also out of the race after spinning out of 12th place and stalling.

Now the front running Carlin car, MacLeod set about claiming his first points of the season. The British racer remained in contention and by the mid way point was in the final points paying position of sixth. In a close race, MacLeod briefly took fifth, but was sixth at the chequered flag. MacLeod’s sixth would later become fifth, as James Calado was penalised for failing to take a drive-through penalty.

Speaking about his race, MacLeod said, “My aim at the start was to stay out of trouble and not to defend too hard to the point of making contact with someone. It’s a long race and at Monza that are plenty of places to overtake. I lost a couple of positions at the start but afterwards I was just able to pick my way back through to 8th but at that point there was a big gap to the leaders. The car was fantastic today and I was able to catch up with the group ahead and make up a couple of places. Fifth place is a good way for us to end the season.”

A disappointed Daly said, “I just can’t believe that the season has ended like this. To be used as a brake stop by the newly crowned champion when I’m racing for my first podium of the year seems unbelievable. We’ve worked so hard as a team and moved forward with every race. A podium or race win would have been such a great reward for the work everyone has put in this season.”

Trevor Carlin added, “Conor was so unlucky today, the whole team feel for him losing out on what could have been a podium or even a possible race win. Callum did a fantastic job today to finish in the points. Although we haven’t achieved the results we would have liked this season, a big well done is due to the team for achieving 100% reliability in every official session this season.”