31 mai 2015
Jake Hughes gets his revenge at Spa
After being edged out despite securing the pole on Saturday, by Ukyo Sasahara (ART Junior Team), Jake Hughes (Koiranen GP) bounced back on Sunday to take his first success in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0. On the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, the British driver got the better of his Japanese rival on the very last lap to win the day after celebrating his 21st birthday. The SMP Racing backed Matevos Isaakyan (JD Motorsport), completed the podium. Despite retiring early, Louis Delétraz (Josef Kaufmann Racing) still leads the general classification ahead of Anthoine Hubert (Tech 1 Racing) and Jake Hughes.
Winner of race one, Ukyo Sasahara took his first pole position in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0. The Japanese driver started ahead of Jake Hughes, Ben Barnicoat (Fortec Motorsports), Callan O’Keeffe (Fortec Motorsports) and Anthoine Hubert.
Sasahara resists
Ukyo Sasahara held on to the lead despite pressure from Jake Hughes and Ben Barnicoat. After the start, the Japanese driver built up his lead lap after lap, while Ben Barnicoat held off Jake Hughes and Matevos Isaakyan (JD Motorsport), who put in an excellent start to pick up four places.
On lap two, Dennis Olsen (Manor MP Motorsport) and championship leader, Louis Delétraz made contact and both were forced to retire. On lap six, Jake Hughes made his way past Ben Barnicoat and set off after Ukyo Sasahara.
Jake Hughes wins
In the closely packed field, Ignazio D’Agosto (Manor MP Motorsport) won his battle with Anthoine Hubert and Callan O’Keeffe, while Jack Aitken (Koiranen GP) got the better of Kevin Jörg (Josef Kaufmann Racing).
The battle for the win saw Jake Hughes overtake Ukyo Sasahara on the very last lap to claim his first victory in the category. Matevos Isaakyan completed the podium. Ben Barnicoat finished fourth, followed by Ignazio D’Agosto, Anthoine Hubert, Jack Aitken, Kevin Jörg and Callan O’Keeffe. Thiago Vivacqua (JD Motorsport) picked up the one point for 10th place ahead of the highest placed rookie, wild-card entry Max Defourny (ART Junior Team).
Quotes
Jake Hughes : “After letting the win slip through my fingers yesterday I really wanted to make up for that. To be honest, the first lap was difficult because I dropped to third place, but happily I got the better of Ben. Then, I had to make up the ground to Ukyo and I had the opportunity to pass him on the last lap I am very happy with this first win in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and I hope to keep this form at Budapest, where I clocked the fastest lap last year.”
Ukyo Sasahara : “This second podium is really positive for the entire team. We were on pace all weekend long. I am disappointed not to have won, but after Jake’s passing move on Ben, I knew it would be difficult as I had a little over-steer. He was simply faster and this second place is still quite satisfying.”
Matevos Isaakyan : In starting eighth, I was aiming for the podium. Maybe I was a little too pessimistic ! I got an excellent start where I was able to pass three cars. I then got past Ben and I posted the fastest race lap. It is a positive result and we will aim even higher at Budapest.”
