Chaves scores top-10 In GP3 series debut In Turkey

05/10/2011

Talented teenager gained valuable experience in season-opening doubleheader with Addax Team ISTANBUL, TURKEY (May 10, 2011) – Gabby Chaves took the next step in his march towards a career in Formula One this past weekend (May 7-8), contesting the opening races of his 2011 campaign in the GP3 Series. Going against many of the best young drivers from around the world, the highly-rated teenager showed superb poise, speed and racecraft at the Istanbul Park circuit, exiting the Turkish doubleheader with a 10th and 12th place result. While Chaves entered the GP3 Series season-opener in Turkey having impressed many in pre-season testing, both he and his Addax Team were well aware that the level of competition would only rise with championship points on the line. The 17-old promptly showed he was up to the challenge when the opening practice got underway on Friday morning (May 6) in wet conditions. Showcasing the car control and skill that helped lead him to a Formula BMW Americas title and an Italian Formula 3 Championship Rookie of the Year award, Chaves led the way late in the session, before ultimately being classified fourth on the scoring charts. Spending the dry afternoon session getting more acclimated to the unfamiliar fast road course, and fine-tuning the setup of his car for qualifying and the races, the Addax Team racer ended the session 14th, just six tenths of a second adrift of the quickest time. As expected, the lone qualifying run proved to be allabout tire management and timing your flying lap. Chaves – who has just joined forces with Colombian airline Avianca for the 2011 season – showed good speed early in the session, posting the seventh best time in the opening stint on new tires. Predicting a stoppage late in the session, a common occurrence in the 2010 edition of the series, the Addax squad elected to send Chaves and his teammates out early for their second run on new tires. While the former multiple karting champion showed good speed once again, moving up the timecharts, the expected session stoppage never came, allowing the drivers running later in the run to take full advantage of the ever-increasing grip levels. Chaves as result fell to 15th when the checkered flag waved. Chaves, putting the disappointment of qualifying behind him, was ready to charge his way forward when Round One got underway in Turkey. Getting a good launch, things appeared to be working out as planned, unfortunately before the end of lap one Chaves was involved in some light contact with another racer, damaging his front wing. While Chaves was able to continue, the change in aerodynamics on the No. 24 Avianca/Addax Team entry not only hampered his outright speed, but also increased tire wear. Chaves however showed his determination, battling through the set back to pass five cars, earning a respected 10th place result. Returning to the cockpit of his Addax Team entry one day later, the American was looking forward to showcasing his talents in front of the Formula One teams and fans. Getting away cleanly when the lights went out, Chaves gained three positions by turn one. Continuing to charge forward, he tried making up more positions in turn three, but was forced wide into the marbles, loosing the positions he had gained. From that point forward, Chaves was involved in a spirited battle for position, dueling a former German F3 champion and Williams Formula One test driver in the process. While highly entertaining to watch, the fight for position ultimately forced Chaves' tires to deteriorate faster than planned. The GP3 Series rookie as a result struggled for grip in the closing stages of the 15-lap race, crossing the stripe in 12th place. "I am satisfied with how things went in my debut in the GP3 Series," stated Chaves. "I learned a lot this weekend, but there is a lot of room for improvement. I am looking forward to great results in Rounds Three and Four in Barcelona, as well as continuing to gaining experience every time I get behind the wheel." Chaves and the Addax Team resume their pursuit of top honors in the GP3 Series on May 21-22, with the Circuit de Catalunya in Spain playing host to Rounds Three and Four. Those interested in supporting Chaves charge towards a career in Formula One are encouraged to contact Chaves or his management team.

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