Josef Newgarden wins FPA season opener

Adam Foster and Richard Plant complete the podium

American driver Josef Newgarden took victory in the opening race of the 2009 Formula Palmer Audi Championship at Brands Hatch today (Saturday), after passing pole sitter Adam Foster on the first lap.

Foster seemed to get a decent getaway initially but he got bogged down on the run to Paddock Hill Bend for the first time, which allowed Newgarden to complete an impressive move around the outside. The 18-year-old fended off pressure from his Bedfordshire rival for the remainder of the race to take the win on his FPA debut.

Whilst pushing hard to take the lead, Foster was regularly seen getting his FPA car sideways and almost put four wheels on the grass at Clearways on lap three, which gave third place Richard Plant the opportunity to close in.

The top three were separated by just 1.5 seconds for the majority of the race, but Newgarden held his nerve after a late safety car period to score an impressive victory. "It is a great feeling to win," said Newgarden. "I got a great start and was able to take an early lead, but Foster pushed me all the way. It was my first time racing with a boost button and I have to say that it was an awesome experience! I am just really enjoying my time in England and I cannot wait for the next two races."

Adam Foster is firmly focussed on championship points and he was clearly happy with his maiden FPA podium: "It's a shame that I just missed a gear off the line," said Foster. "But it was a great race and as you could see I was pushing as hard as I could. It is all good points - my aim is to win the championship and I won't be happy with anything else!"

Kazim Vasiliauskas was another driver who got a slow getaway, losing fourth to Paul Rees on the opening lap. The Lithuanian driver responded well, eventually re-passing Rees at Clearways on lap six. He then set the fastest lap whilst trying to catch the lead trio but he was forced to settle for fourth as the chequered flag fell. Rees held on to take fifth ahead of Tristan Vautier who made his way through from 15th on the grid. The Frenchman started down the order after he went off in qualifying, but he bounced back brilliantly with a series of impressive moves, most notably when he passed Kenny Andrews on the final lap. Kenny Andrews finished seventh ahead of Swiss driver Philipp Frommenwiler.

Ash Davies had an exciting tussle with both Maria de Villota and David Rotar in the early stages of the race, but Davies later went on to make it even further through the pack - he finished ninth and Finnish female driver Emma Kimilainen rounded out the top ten.

Formula Palmer Audi Championship, race one, results:

1. Josef Newgarden, 16 laps
2. Adam Foster, +1.223s
3. Richard Plant, +1.878s
4. Kazim Vasiliauskas, +2.782s
5. Paul Rees, +3.417s
6. Tristan Vautier, +4.389s
7. Kenny Andrews, +4.426s
8. Philipp Frommenwiler, +5.307s
9. Ash Davies, +5.720s
10. Kimi Kimilainen, +8.153s

Tickets for the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport this weekend (2/3 May) cost £15 for adults on qualifying day (Saturday) and £35 on raceday for adults. Entry is free for children aged 12 and under. For more information call 0870 950 9000 or click on the link below.