Q: 13th
Got home late from work so thought I'd go for an interesting route in quali on low sweat. Did a mediums lap mid session, with the intention of only doing a softs lap if I could get a front row start. Mediums lap was pretty disappointing but still somewhat competitive to get a decent position outside the top 10. Bottled my 2 softs laps which would've been good enough for a front row but wasn't too surprised or disappointed.
R: 2nd
Start was a horror show. Lots of people on softs behind so I got thrown around a bit. Down to P17. Quickly made my way back past danny with a great, audacious move, and then set about full conservation mode. Pace on the hards was genuinely incredible- thanks to connor and jake for realising that throughout the race as well so we could use it to all of our benefit.
Took a while to get to clean air ahead of jake, a small heart attack at turn 3 largely to blame, but when I was there it was glorious. Consistently doing 12.1-4s, gaining handsomely on the people who'd already pit for hards.
I regret not pitting later in the end as the hards were great, and the softs dipped in pace a bit soon. Especially with the VSC, but I think given 1-2 more laps I could've jumped one or maybe both of ollie and Dawid. The time behind them kinda killed my chances of winning in the end. Best was gone from the softs. I managed a pretty pace fastest lap considering, but they fell off pretty quick from there. For the last 5 laps they were possibly even slower than Shellay's mediums, and despite driving out of my skin I made no impression whatsoever. Even pulling 5 seconds on jake at the same time.
Overall we take it 100%. With working late and a new track, I said any points would be a bonus. Most rivals scored poorly so turned out to be a big success. I think had the start of the race gone better, or had I started high on softs, I probably could and should have won, but a great drive from shellay to take it today despite the grid penalty. Crucial fantasy and constructors points- very classy performance.
Not sure what to expect from Spain, but usually I'm up there again. Would be nice to not be the bridesmaid in P2 and get a cheeky dub, but I'll gladly take the championship lead back after the disaster at China.
Congrats to Jake as well. Drove very smart and got what he deserved overall. Very refreshing race in my opinion, and loved pushing at such a persistent race track for 36 laps.
Enjoyed the stream as well, great addition to the league it must be said. Will get some pics tomorrow potentially, but other than that I'll see you in Spain bois