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Zanella admits title hopes ‘are over’

Swiss racer concedes it may be too late to catch Bacheta

Christopher Zanella has admitted that his chances of securing the 2012 FIA Formula Two Championship 'are over' after a frustrating weekend at Paul Ricard dropped him to third in the drivers' standings with just two rounds remaining.

The 22-year-old Swiss, who finished as runner-up during his maiden F2 season last year, began the year as a strong title contender. However, a slow start has meant he's struggled to take the fight to runaway championship leader Luciano Bacheta.

At Paul Ricard last time out, Zanella endured an eventful opening race to end eighth, his second lowest result of the year, although recovered in race two to finish third. Even so, he now drops to third in the championship standings and 46.5 points behind front-runner Bacheta.

"I think my title hopes are over," said Zanella after his Paul Ricard podium. "There are four races left and I will try to give everyone my best so we will see what happens at the end of the year. At the moment everything is still possible but it will be very hard."

Meanwhile, Matheo Tuscher's strong weekend at the sun-soaked French circuit now sees him close the gap to Bacheta to 32.5 points with just four races (two rounds) left to play out.