Race 2: Piquet's final glory
Nelson Piquet Jr gave his 2004 championship victory an extra coat of sugar by winning the final round of the series at Brands Hatch on Sunday
It could have been a double for Piquet, for he had the speed in the first race to get past eventual victor James Rossiter. But the Brazilian played it safe and opted for second spot and the points necessary to secure the title.
But in the second race with the title sewn up Piquet went all out for victory to sign his name on the last race of the season.
Polesitter Clivio Piccione got off the start well and went into an early lead, eking out a 1.5s advantage at one point over Piquet Jr. But the newly-crowned champ began to rein him in, with nothing to lose the Brazilian was going to try everything he could to get past.
The moment arrived on lap 10 as Piccione made a mistake going into the Graham Hill bend. Piquet got alongside hi on the back straight, but Piccione moved across and clipped the Brazilian's front wing endplate. Piquet emerged with some damage to his car, but was able to carry on in the top spot. Piccione picked up a puncture, though, and was forced to pit for a new tyre.
Winner of race one James Rossiter had to make do with the runners-up slot this timeout. The Briton moved up from fourth on the grid going into the first corner, but following Piccione's demise was promoted to second.
Behind him a battle was ensuing between Lucas di Grassi and former title contender Adam Carroll. The Briton looked the quicker of the two, but was unable to make a move on the Brazilian and had to settle for fourth.
Nelson A Piquet Dallara-Mugen-Honda 22m00.574s
James Rossiter Dallara-Opel Spiess +9.696s
Lucas Di-Grassi Dallara-Renault Sodemo +10.018s
Adam Carroll Dallara-Mugen-Honda +10.307
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