(Monza, Italy) - Young American Emmanuel Crouvisier traveled to the Monza Formula 1 circuit in Italy this weekend, eager to improve on his previous strong finish which had boosted him into 6th in the championship. After qualifying well in the top ten for both races (even running as high as 2nd for most of the second qualifying session), the first race saw him battling for 4th place with Adam Smith, current championship leader, but came to an abrupt end when the American made a mistake in the last lap and was unable to continue. The second race was largely uneventful, as Crouvisier was unable to improve on his grid position with an ill-handling car, ultimately finishing the race in 6th place and scoring important championship points.

With almost none of the regular Formula Palmer Audi drivers having experience at the Monza circuit, Crouvisier was not handicapped this weekend by track knowledge, and was, as expected, immediately on the pace. Often in the top 5 throughout practice and qualifying sessions alike, there was much anticipation for the two races, as two strong finishes would move him up even further in the championship standings.

Crouvisier began the first race in 9th position, having put in his fastest qualifying laps towards the end of the session, when the track was a bit dryer, but also hotter, ultimately losing out in top speed which is so crucial around this ultra-fast circuit. After a phenomenal start which saw him leap past the row in front of him on the way to the first chicane, he continued to pass a number of cars, and found himself in 5th place before the end of the first lap. Battles raged on throughout the race, Crouvisier looking set to take 4th place, but during the last lap he pushed a bit too hard coming out of the second Lesmos corner, forcing the car to drift a bit wide until the left wheels dipped into the gravel and sent the car into an immediate spin towards the guardrail. The impact with the guardrail damaged the car too much to continue, resulting in Crouvisierﾒs first DNF of the season.

Fortunately, Crouvisier was able to capitalize on his strong 6th qualifying position to retain the spot from the green light to the checkered flag, and was largely unchallenged, despite an ill-handling car following repairs after the first race.

Despite not earning any points in the first race and consequently falling back into 8th in the championship, many other drivers also encountered problems, and the gap between them is almost identical to before the weekend in Italy. Now at the halfway point in the season, Crouvisier is very optimistic about the second half, having shown his speed throughout the Monza weekend, consistently getting quicker and quicker each time he is behind the wheel, and fighting for podium positions. With very few points separating him from the top 3 and almost 150 points still at stake throughout the next six races, the championship is still wide open!