POINT SCORING GP3 SERIES RUN FOR CHAVES IN SPAIN

05/24/2011

Addax Team rookie showcased his racecraft with superb drives in Rounds Three and Four BARCELONA, SPAIN (May 24, 2011) – Rising star Gabby Chaves opened up his GP3 Series points account this past weekend (May 21-22) via a pair of strong drivers on the technically challenging Circuit de Catalunya. The Addax Team teenager displayed tremendous racecraft on a track that has limited overtaking places, advancing from deep in the field to finish 13th in Round Three, and charging up to sixth place in Round Four. Chaves, as is the plan for every GP3 Series event this season, spent the two Friday practice runs first getting acclimatized to the Spanish road course, before steadily working with his talented Addax Team crew to fine tune his No. 24 Avianca/Comcel/Addax Team entry. As series followers have come to expect, both sessions featured the majority of the 30-car field separated by less than a second. As a result, the former Formula BMW Americas champion and Italian Formula 3 Championship Rookie of the Year was classified 11th in the second and final practice session, despite only being five tenths of a second behind the top driver on the time charts. When Chaves rolled back on-course for the lone qualifying run on Saturday morning, things appeared to be going according to plan early on, with the 17 year-old sixth after his initial run. That however proved to be the high point, as Chaves' second set of new racing slicks proved to be virtually undriveable. Due to a lack of consistency between sets of tires, which all the teams are dealing with, Chaves tumbled down the order as the session progressed, ultimately ending an unreflective 19th on the charts. While Chaves and the Addax squad were greatly disappointed in how qualifying ended, they quickly put it behind them, focusing on race one of the doubleheader on Saturday afternoon. Chaves proved to be one of the highlights of the race. On a track that is less than ideal for overtaking, the series rookie showcased his racecraft, passing numerous drivers. The newly announced Intrepid Driver Program – who's goal is to guide drivers in their career and support them with important kart training – official driver in the end impressively worked his way up to 13th by the conclusion of the Round Three affair. With one superb run in front of the Formula One fraternity under his belt, he continued the trend in Round Four on Sunday morning. Chaves, in what was an electrifying start that featured the highly-rated racer slaloming his way forward prior to turn one, quickly found himself challenging for a points scoring position. Dueling the race one winner and a two-time Masters of Formula 3 winner, Chaves again showed his skills behind the wheel, earning his first GP3 Series point with a sixth place result. "I'm pleased with how things went in Barcelona," stated Chaves. "Once again we were able to show we have good speed and I can make passes. It is great to get my first series point as well. Now we just need to sort out the tire situation in qualifying, as it is key to challenging for wins." Chaves and the Addax Team now have a month off before the GP3 Series title chase resumes with a return trip to Spain via Rounds Five and Six on June 25-26, as part of the Formula One Grand Prix on the streets of Valencia. Those interested in supporting Chaves charge towards a career in Formula One are encouraged to contact Chaves or his management team. Source:ProMedia Motorsports PR

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