Well-earned podium for SAM Racing's Paulo da Cunha
Paulo da Cunha (Tubular/Exa Motor Group) scored his best result of the season – a well-earned third place – in the opening race of the fourth round of the Formula Volkswagen Championship in East London on Saturday.
His weekend got off to a great start with fifth place in qualifying, just 0,59 sec off fourth place, which put him on the third row of the grid for the opening 10-lap race around the daunting high-speed East London Grand Prix Circuit. It was decided to switch to standing starts for the two FVW races this weekend and the new arrangement caught out some of the drivers. A first lap incident saw the two front row men, Cristiano Morgado on pole and Jimmy Auby, as well as Gordon Connelly in fourth place involved and the race was stopped.
Da Cunha was up to fourth by the end of the first lap after the re-start, but came under pressure from an on-form Tschops Sipuka. Enjoying the kind of pace that earned him a third place in the final race of last season at Killarney in Cape Town, Da Cunha withstood the challenge from Sipuka and by lap seven they were lying second and third respectively. Sipuka finally got by on lap eight and Da Cunha held on to take third and his first podium finish of the year.
Race two saw Da Cunha once again fighting with Sipuka for sixth place as the field reached the tight Cocabana corner, with its stunning view of the Indian Ocean, on the opening lap. Dean Hirschowitz, coming from behind, touched Da Cunha's rear wheel and he went off on to the grass, dropping to the back of the 12-car field.
Undeterred, he then drove with great tenacity and, buoyed by his podium finish in race one, climbed back through the field to finish an excellent sixth at the end of the 10-laps.
Da Cunha: "I really enjoyed myself today. The team did a great job of preparing my car and we had no problems. I enjoy the East London circuit. It's fast and a big challenge. To do well here is very satisfying."
Lee Philips, team principal of SAM Racing: "This was one of Paulo's best performances. He was unlucky to get knocked off the circuit in the second race, but recovered magnificently."
SAM Racing acknowledges and thanks its sponsors for their continued support: Tubular Technical Construction, Exa Motor Group, Ferodo, GP Windscreens, Global Consulting Solutions, Exa Platinum Rentals, Top Car Paint & Panel, Tri Dent Middelburg, Hi Tech Mag Repairs, Sax Shocks, Signs For You and Fish & Meat City.