Home podium for Henry Surtees
Briton takes well earned third on home ground
Henry Surtees became the first Briton to score a podium in the
2009 FIA Formula Two Championship when he crossed the finish line
in third place today (Saturday 18 July).
Having started third on the grid, Surtees initially lost the
position to Kazim Vasiliauskas going into Paddock Hill Bend.
Following a safety car period midway through the 28-lap contest, he
was able to repass Vasiliauskas when the Lithuanian ran wide at the
same corner.
Robert Wickens was also able to nip past Kazim, and began to put
pressure on Surtees, but the Briton held on to claim his - and
Britain's - maiden podium of the year.
"It's a bit of a relief really to pick up the podium," Henry
admitted. "I only have two points so far this season even though
we've had a pole in Brno and been fast in the other rounds. It's
nice to actually finish a race - I haven't quite been so lucky in
the last four races, so it's good to finally get a solid points
finish.
"I got bogged down from the start with loads of wheelspin, and
Kazim was able to pass me down through Paddock Hill. I just sat
there in fourth and bided my time, and at the restart when
everyone's tyres were cold Kazim ran wide at the same corner and I
was able to pop up the inside. I didn't quite have the pace for
second, so third is a great result for us."