Boccolacci at Pau: good qualifying but complicated races

On the street circuit of Pau, where he took last year’s first wins in a car, Dorian Boccolacci showed a net gain of competitiveness in the practice sessions including two top 10s, in 9th place for the start of the Races 2 and 3, regularly beating his Team Signature team-mate, Alexander Albon.

However, the competition was cut short in the first race when the Lotus F1 Junior Team driver had to stop, with his engine broken on the 11th of the 27 laps. Beyond the consequences of retiring, the regulation in this case imposes a penalty of 10 grid positions in the following three races, a particularly heavy handicap at Pau where overtaking is extremely difficult.

He had no more luck in Race 2 where he started 19th with a new engine. At the first hard braking point after the start, with all competitors looking to break through, a driver pushed him and his front wing went into the car in front. The damage was minimal and Dorian could well have continued, but the commissioners showed him the technical problem flag, ordering him into the pits. He set off again a lap down and used the rest of the race to test different lines and braking tactics.

Only the third race started almost normally, without much enthusiasm from 19th place on the starting grid. Dorian however attacked Ilott under braking at the train station, but was soon passed by Solomon. The latter then closed the doors in front of him, and despite several attempts, he could not overtake. His 14th place at the finish line was due to attrition in the race in front of him.

Now he needs to prepare effectively for the next event in less than two weeks on the Monza racetrack.

www.dorianboccolacci.com

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