Motorsports Mondial

Bianchi beats Grosjean to grab maiden GP2 win

Game on for Jules and GP2 Asia. The opening round of the 2011 season has been won by Jules Bianchi. The Ferrari-contracted French driver sailed to victory in style at the Yas Marina circuit. After beating pole man Romain Grosjean at the start the Lotus ART driver fought a race long battle with the DAMS driver. Bianchi also recorded the fastest lap on lap 31 of 33.

The race had to be red-flagged shortly after the start when Spanish driver Dani Clos stalled on the grid and was hit hard by Brazilian Luiz Razia. Fortunately no injuries despite the violent impact. Norwegian rookie Pal Varhaug was another victim and was unable to continue.

Davide Valsecchi, defending GP2 Asia champion completed the podium for an impressive start in GP2 for the new Tony Fernandes-owned Team AirAsia

Young Swede, Marcus Ericsson, made a last lap pass on Dutchman Giedo van der Garde to take fourth spot. Josef Kral of Czech Republic was sixth, followed by two British drivers, Sam Bird in seventh and Max Chilton picking up the final point from his eighth place finish, and earning himself pole position for tomorrow’s top eight reverse grid sprint race.

— Nasir Hameed

Photos courtesy of GP2 Media.