 [23-04-2007]
MORTARA IMPRESSIVE AT HOCKENHEIM
[Full Article]
 [21-04-2007]
MORTARA SIXTH ON SEASON-OPENER
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 [16-04-2007]
CARBONE STRUGGLES WITH SET-UP AT SUZUKA
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 [10-04-2007]
CARBONE MOVES UP TO SECOND IN SUPER GT CHAMPIONSHIP
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 [05-04-2007]
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[23-04-2007]
MORTARA IMPRESSIVE AT HOCKENHEIM
 French-Italian driver Edoardo Mortara has enjoyed an impressive Formula 3 debut at the first race meeting of this year’s Euroseries at Hockenheim, in Germany.
It was the 20 year-old’s first experience of the prestigious F3 Euroseries – which has previously produced stars such as Lewis Hamilton – and only the start of his second season of racing cars.
Having been amongst the frontrunners during pre-season testing, Edoardo was not quite able to repeat his pace consistently in qualifying, ending up ninth. His problems were exacerbated in when he made a slow start to drop to 15th at the beginning of race one on Saturday. He then staged a magnificent fightback, setting times that were close to the fastest lap, to end up sixth.
This result meant that he would start the longer race two on Sunday from third on the grid, as the top eight positions in race one are reversed to form the grid for race two. This time there were no problems at the start, which took place behind a safety car due to oil spilled on the track from a previous race.
Once the racing was underway, Edoardo came under attack from the experienced Romain Grosjean who was finally able to get past him. Edoardo was naturally eager to regain his position so immediately counter-attacked with a manoeuvre that was slightly ambitious. He ran wide as he was carrying a bit too much speed, so lost two positions to end up sixth. Undeterred, Edoardo set another series of very quick laps, before missing a braking point and letting another two cars past him. This thrust him into the thick of a battle with reigning A1 GP winner Nico Hulkenberg. Edoardo was actually quicker than Hulkenberg but was prevented from passing him by a lack of downforce, caused by running so close to Hulkenberg’s gearbox. The pair’s battle was a highlight of the race, and Edoardo eventually finished eighth. This puts him eighth overall in the championship, and joint second in the rookies’ title.
The 20 year-old said: “This weekend has certainly been a steep learning curve for me with several exciting moments! First of all, I’d like to thank the Signature team for preparing an excellent car for me. We know now that we can have an extremely competitive race pace, which is right up there. At the same time, I need to eliminate the mistakes I made due to inexperience in order to make the most of it. This was a very tough weekend as everything was new to me, but I’m sure that with more time in the car we can become increasing quicker. It’s very encouraging.”
Round two of this year’s hotly contested F3 Euroseries will take place at Brands Hatch in England from June 9-10.
For more information please contact: media@quadrasports.com
www.edoardomortara.com
www.signature-team.com
www.f3euroseries.com
Geneva 23/04/07
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