James Calado takes GP2 sprint race victory at Hockenheim

British driver James Calado has stormed to his second GP2 race victory, after a stunning drive during the sprint race at the legendary Hockenheimring. The Lotus driver started from pole, and led every single lap of the race in dominant style. Giedo van der Garde finished a distant 2nd, with Felipe Nasr 3rd for DAMS.

At the start James Calado enjoyed a fabulous getaway off the line, streaking into the lead whilst a melee of cars negotiated the opening few turns. The usual carnage ensued as the pack entered turn 6, as Championship leader Luiz Razia spun whilst running wide. This had a concertina effect further down the order, as Tom Dillmann and Max Chilton came together as the two took avoiding action.

This incident brought out the safety car, with the track partially blocked by Razia, Dillmann and Chilton’s cars. Luckily for Razia he was able to continue racing, whilst Max Chilton and Tom Dillmann were unfortunately forced into retirement. The safety car period last for only one lap, as the field returned to green flag racing next time around.

James Calado continued to dominate out in front, cruising into the distance. Further back the usual battles for position ensued, with exceedingly close racing coming in abundance. Championship contender Davide Valsecchi came unstuck due to this close racing, as the Italian driver was tipped into a spin at turn 6 by the iSport International of Jolyon Palmer.

Victor Guerin’s miserable weekend continued, as the Brazilian driver spun on his own through turn 3. The Ocean Racing Technology driver was able to continue racing, albeit in last place due to his lengthy off track excursion. Giancarlo Serenelli endured a heavy incident on lap 19, as the Venezuelan driver spun off at high speed through turn 12. The Venezuela GP Lazarus driver slammed into the barriers, however the 31-year-old was able to walk away unscathed from his wrecked machine.

Throughout the closing stages of the race, with the tyres fading fast, intense battles for position were seen throughout the pack. However, James Calado had no such battles as the British star glided dominantly to his second career victory in GP2, just under 8 seconds ahead of van der Garde.

The GP2 fraternity will now head to Budapest and the Hungaroring for round six of this highly entertaining season, as the Championship battle at the front remains wide open.

Follow me on Twitter - @AndyYoungF1