Luca Filippi, who was away from competition for one year, made a sensational GP2 return as he clinched victory in race 1 in Monza with team Coloni.
The Italian driver, who was without a racing seat since the end of last season, was expected in IndyCar this season but the deal was not finalized. He was called by team Coloni for Monza, where he took third position in qualifying.
Filippi then took the lead after mid race when he overtook poleman and early leader Max Chilton after the pit stops, to cruise to an emotional win on his home soil.
Behind him, Johnny Cecotto concluded a great comeback from 8th position on the grid to second at the finish line ahead of Marcus Ericsson and Max Chilton. Stefan Coletti, who took 8th position, will have the opportunity to start from pole position on race 2, thanks to the reverse grid regulation for the top 8.
As for the title contenders, Davide Valsecchi took the advantage in Monza. The Italian driver took 6th position while his rival Luis Razia, who span after a contact with Fabio Leimer, classified only 25th. And Valsecchi will start from third position on Sunday with the reverse grid.
Monza – Race 1 classification :
1 - Luca Filippi - Coloni - 30 laps in 48'03"604
2 - Johnny Cecotto - Addax - 4"028
3 - Marcus Ericsson - iSport - 5"377
4 - Max Chilton - Carlin - 7"631
5 - Fabio Leimer - Racing Engineering - 9"413
6 - Davide Valsecchi - Dams - 16"057
7 - Jolyon Palmer - iSport - 17"600
8 - Stefano Coletti - Rapax - 18"532
Etc.
The Italian driver, who was without a racing seat since the end of last season, was expected in IndyCar this season but the deal was not finalized. He was called by team Coloni for Monza, where he took third position in qualifying.
Filippi then took the lead after mid race when he overtook poleman and early leader Max Chilton after the pit stops, to cruise to an emotional win on his home soil.
Behind him, Johnny Cecotto concluded a great comeback from 8th position on the grid to second at the finish line ahead of Marcus Ericsson and Max Chilton. Stefan Coletti, who took 8th position, will have the opportunity to start from pole position on race 2, thanks to the reverse grid regulation for the top 8.
As for the title contenders, Davide Valsecchi took the advantage in Monza. The Italian driver took 6th position while his rival Luis Razia, who span after a contact with Fabio Leimer, classified only 25th. And Valsecchi will start from third position on Sunday with the reverse grid.
Monza – Race 1 classification :
1 - Luca Filippi - Coloni - 30 laps in 48'03"604
2 - Johnny Cecotto - Addax - 4"028
3 - Marcus Ericsson - iSport - 5"377
4 - Max Chilton - Carlin - 7"631
5 - Fabio Leimer - Racing Engineering - 9"413
6 - Davide Valsecchi - Dams - 16"057
7 - Jolyon Palmer - iSport - 17"600
8 - Stefano Coletti - Rapax - 18"532
Etc.