Lopez Battles Pain to Finish Second

DAMS driver Jose Maria Lopez was happy with second place in today's GP2 race at Imola, considering the problems he contended with throughout the 37 laps

By:

David Cameron

Apr 23, 2005, 4:30 PM

Lopez ran a tough race battling Giorgio Pantano and Heikki Kovalainen, and was seen to limp away from his car in parc ferme. "I feel better now," he stated after the podium celebrations, "but my left leg was hurting quite a bit after the race - I had a really big problem with the brakes, and I was pumping them all race!"

"Today I just tried to keep cool and I knew I would be in a good position if I finished. I was really constant all race, I think, and I just kept cool and away from problems. I really wanted points and I got them, and tomorrow also I just want points because I am already thinking about the Championship."

While he acknowledged the car problems he struggled with all day, Lopez was keen to point out that he believes these issues will sort themselves out shortly, noting: "The car is getting better already, but it's a new category and that's the way it goes.

"I've already got a really quick car, and it feels really good to be here to drive it."