GP3 Series up-and-comer earned valuable points on demanding Spanish street circuit
VALENCIA, SPAIN (June 27, 2011) – Gabby Chaves' march up the GP3 Series charts continued this past weekend (June 25-26), with an impressive double points run on the often treacherous Valencia street circuit. Further showcasing his talents behind the wheel in front of the Formula One community, the Addax Team standout just missed his inaugural series podium finish in Round Five with a superb fourth place finish, and followed that up in Round Six with another top-five result via a fifth place finish against the many of the best young racers in Europe. Chaves continues to show he has the skill and talent to reach the upper echelons of motorsports.
A little over a month after earning his first GP3 Series point, Chaves was back behind the wheel in Spain. The highly-rated teenager however had a new challenge to overcome this time out, with the F1 'circus' taking to the street circuit around the port of Valencia, Spain. While the doubleheader would mark the first time Chaves had piloted a GP3 Series car within the tight confines of a street circuit, the reigning Italian Formula 3 Championship Rookie of the Year has previously enjoyed good success at similar venues, setting the stage for a strong outing at the Addax Team's home race.
Chaves immediately showed he was ready to build on his sixth place result in Round Four when the GP3 cars first took to the Valencia track on Friday morning for a practice session. A front-runner throughout the session, the No. 24 Avianca/Comcel/Addax Team entry ultimately ended the opening run fourth fastest, a mere two tenths off the best time. The Spanish squad, seeking to find even more speed, elected tryout multiple setup changes in the second and final practice session. With Chaves struggling to match his morning pace in the session, the setup was reverted back to the first configuration prior to the lone qualifying run.
When Chaves rolled back on-course on Saturday morning, confidence was high both in the cockpit and in the team's pit stall. With many predicting the series rookie to challenge for the race five pole position, Chaves set about doing just that. Unfortunately, just as the former Formula BMW Americas champion was about to complete his third lap, he was struck by another driver, resulting in the Addax Team car getting airborne and landing on a curb. While Chaves' car suffered a damaged tire, he was able to return to the pitlane for the Addax Team to inspect the car. With no significant damage, the talented teenager rejoined the action with a fresh set of tires and 10 minutes still on the clock. Chaves, showing the ability to rebound from adversity, proved to be a man on a mission in the closing five laps of the session, ultimately turning the eighth best time. Following a penalty to the driver who struck Chaves, the rookie earned a P7 starting position for race one of the doubleheader later in the day.
When the lights went out a short time later to begin the action in front of an enthusiastic crowd and the F1 community, Chaves immediately made his mark. He got a superb launch from the traditional standing start, and when combined with some bold overtaking maneuvers, was fourth by the end of lap one. Chaves from that point forward was involved in a spirited dice for position with a 2011 series race winner, greatly entertaining those on hand. In the end, the GP3 Series up-and-comer crossed the stripe in fourth, earning his best result to date in the challenging series.
Returning to the waterside street circuit one day later, Chaves lined-up fifth on the grid for race six of the 16 round season. The highly rated racer however was at a disadvantage even before the lights went out, as due to the incident in qualifying, he was forced to utilize a used a tire from Friday's practice. When the action did get underway, it quickly became apparent that the handling on his car was less than ideal. Chaves, further showcasing his skill behind the wheel, however did not let that hold him back. Battling from corner to corner, he held off repeated challenges throughout the race to maintain his fifth place position all the way to the checkered flag.
"This was a fantastic weekend," stated Chaves. "I really enjoyed the opening race on Saturday, dueling for a podium finish right until the closing stages. It is unfortunate I had to use a practice tire in race two, as I think I could have once again challenged for a place on the podium. The team is really starting gel, and we are getting faster each time out. I can't wait to get to Silverstone and go after that first podium finish and win."
Chaves and the Addax Team resume pursuit of top honors in the GP3 Series, an official Formula One development championship, at the Silverstone Circuit on July 9-10. The Avianca and Comcel backed racer enters Rounds Seven and Eight having led the way in official GP3 testing at the high-speed British road course in March.
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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