2007 British Grand Prix Race Report
Adrian Sutil (car 20, F8-VII/03):
DNF: Engine (16 laps)
Fastest lap: 1:25.015
Christijan Albers (car 21, F8-VII/04):
15th: 1:22:16.191 (+2 laps)
Fastest lap: 1:24.390
The Etihad Aldar Spyker Formula One Team has finished its
first-ever 'home' Grand Prix in Silverstone, Great Britain,
with Christijan Albers in 15th position. In front of a passionate
partisan crowd, Christijan completed a solid run to move up
seven places on his starting position. Unfortunately Adrian
Sutil retired from his first British Grand Prix on lap 17
with an engine failure.
In a mark of the team's improving performance, Adrian and
Christijan were able to stay with the pack, with Christijan
fighting the Super Aguris throughout the race.
The team now goes to the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium
for a three-day test from 10 - 12 July in advance of the next
round of the FIA Formula One World Championship in Germany.
Adrian Sutil (car 20)
'It's frustrating that I could only do 17 laps before I had
to retire with an engine problem. The car was not bad, although
I think everybody struggled in the first laps as the tyres
were cooling down from the second formation lap. But after
two laps the pace was not too bad, it's just disappointing
that I had to give up after 17 laps. If you are close to the
cars in front you just want to race them, but hopefully we
have better luck in the next race as we really need to finish.'
Christijan Albers (car 21)
'I enjoyed the race quite a lot as we could drive with the
field. I had no problems to drive the car, there was quite
a reasonable balance in the performance but it was a shame
that in the end I lost the position to Sato. But I think I
had a good race and am happy to finish. The team can now go
to the test in Spa with a good rhythm.'
Mike Gascoyne, chief technical officer
'Of course it's disappointing not to get two cars to the finish
but, overall, once again we were a little bit more competitive
with the group of cars in front. Unfortunately Adrian had
an engine failure, but Christijan had a very steady drive
to compete with the Super Aguris for most of the race, although
in the end we just lacked a little bit of speed to finish
in front of them. A solid performance from Christijan and
it's just unfortunate for Adrian that he couldn't make it
t o the finish. We'll look forward to the new car in Turkey.'
Colin Kolles, team principal and managing director
'Once again today we showed we are making small steps to close
the gap to the midfield. It's disappointing not to get a double
finish, but we have a test in Spa next week where we can work
as a team on these issues.'
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