Josef Kral takes lights to flag victory in GP2 sprint race

Josef Kral has taken his maiden GP2 victory after a dominant lights to flag victory during the GP2 sprint race, ahead of the late charging DAMS of Felipe Nasr. The Brazilian driver only just clinched 2nd ahead of James Calado at the final corner of the final lap, in yet another sensationally exciting GP2 sprint race.

Once the five red lights went out at the start, Josef Kral immediately stormed into the lead, robbing pole man Felipe Nasr as the field negotiated turn 1. Further back and total carnage ensued as Johnny Cecotto jr. collided with Max Chilton, tipping the Briton into a spin as the other drivers took drastic avoiding action. Championship contender Luiz Razia suffered a major blow on the opening lap, as the Brazilian was forced wide on the exit of turn 4 after running side-by-side with the Lotus of James Calado. Luiz Razia spun of the wet grass right across the track, and collected the DAMS of fellow Championship contender Davide Valsecchi, who took extreme avoiding action, running onto the grass and tapping the barriers.

This thrilling opening lap set the pace for the rest of the race, as James Calado set to hunting down race leader Josef Kral. At the end of the opening lap, many drivers including Championship contenders Luiz Razia and Davide Valsecchi pitted. Johnny Cecotto jr. was the first retirement, after eventually peeling off the track due to his collision at the start with the Carlin of Max Chilton.

Whilst Josef Kral asserted his authority at the front of the pack, the Lotus of Esteban Gutierrez became locked in a battle with the Trident Racing duo of Julian Leal and Stephane Richelmi. Luiz Razia’s dismal race continued on lap 6, as the Brazilian driver pitted once again for new tyres in what was turning out to be his most uncompetitive race of the season.

Sergio Canamasas, who raised many eyebrows yesterday for his questionable defending, spun at turns 18 and 19, on his way to becoming the second retirement of the race. The Spaniard was then joined in retirement by Championship contender Davide Valsecchi, who eventually pitted for retirement after his off with Razia on the opening lap. Esteban Gutierrez’s race was practically ruined on lap 10, as the Mexican tried to overtake the Trident of Stephane Richelmi at turn 7. This maneuver subsequently ended in tears, as the two collided and were forced to trek through the gravel trap before eventually rejoining the race.

As the race entered it’s closing stages, it became apparent that no driver would be able to catch the dominant Josef Kral. However, the battle 2nd place was gathering momentum throughout the closing laps, as James Calado began to defend his position desperately against the DAMS of Felipe Nasr. The Brazilian driver was unable to find a way around the Briton until the final corner of the final lap, adding insult to injury to James Calado who desperately needed the victory.

The GP2 Series now moves swiftly on to the historic Autodromo Nazionale Monza, for the penultimate round of this highly entertaining season. With neither Luiz Razia or Davide Valsecchi scoring points in the race, the Championship leading duo remain tied atop the Championship on 204 points apiece.

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