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 After
some results beyond our expectations, Prema and its drivers reached
again the top places of the classification in the ninth round of
the Formula 3 Euro Series 2004 Championship, thanks to a hard work
that satisfied the whole team which is always concentrated on giving
the maximum to its drivers.
In Race 1 Franck Perera was again on the podium, reaching the third
position. After some unsatisfactory races, it sounded like a victory
to him.
In the free tests Franck showed his competitiveness and marked the
fifth absolute time. The other two Prema drivers were behind; Roberto
Streit in the nineteenth position, with a painful hand due to an
accident while cycling which caused him some grazes and Hiranaka
in the twenty-second place with some set-up problems.
In the first qualifying session, valid for Sunday race, Franck maintained
the same position of the free tests and finished fifth, aware of
having lost some chances to improve his time. The other two drivers
made great improvements. Streit was eighth while Hiranaka was twelfth.
A good overall result for the whole team.
On the following day, in the second qualifying session, there were
better results. Franck Perera was able to show his real potentiality
and finished in the third absolute place. Streit also improved his
performance and was sixth. Hiranaka , instead, was only thirteenth,
conditioned by a slight understeering.
Race 1 : Franck had a good start but was blocked by Premat
in the starting straight and Rosberg occupied the third position
in the first lap. Franck was constantly behind the Finn-German driver.
In the last lap Franck was able to overtake Rosberg from the outside,
in the first corner, obtaining the third position again and a place
on the podium. Brno circuit, even if spectacular due to its average
speed, does not allow drivers to overtake as there are not important
braking points. Once the line of cars was formed it was not easy
to see any attempt to overtake, during both races. Streit finished
in sixth position and Hiranaka was thirteenth.
Race 2: Perera lost a position at the start and remained
in this place up to the chequered flag and was sixth. Streit, instead,
had a good start and finished just behind his team mate in the seventh
position. Hiranaka was twelfth.
On the whole, it was a positive round for Prema and its standard-bearers,
after some disappointing events. Next appointment is in two week's
time with the last race of the year, in Hockenheim, where the rookies
will still fight for the title. At the moment, Perera is leading
this classification.
Weather conditions were good during the weekend.
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