Patel shines in Singapore Race One – Sept 27 08

Date posted on September 27, 2008 · Published by Mark Goddard

Aditya Patel had the dubious record of being the first driver to crash a car at the Singapore GP Circuit during qualifying for todays race. As a result he started last but redeemed his mistake by finishing in seventh place. Team Mate, Marlon Stockinger, was running strongly when he ended his race by clipping the wall

Stockinger was trapped behind a fast starting Haryanto at the start and then spent the entire race trying to find a way past. Stockinger was clearly faster but Haryanto drove a good defensive race to keep his rival behind. This allowed Patel to draft up to the battling pair having carved his way through the field from the back of the grid. Stockinger was caught in a dilema, each time he tried to pass he was slowed allowing Patel to get alongside.

It all came to a head when Moh and Ang tangled on the straight and in the confusion Patel was able to dive past his team mate. All this allowed Chaves to latch onto Stockinger and he was able to pass at turn 15. Marlon got by into turn 17 but understeered onto the marbles and spun into the wall with one lap to go. Patel tried all he could to pass Haryanto but just failed after an impressive drive from 17th on the grid.

Race two will take place tomorrow before the F1 race. Stockinger starts ninth whilst Patel has it all to do again from last on the grid.