Newgarden scores double victory

American takes his second FPA win of the day

Josef Newgarden made it two out of two after scoring another Formula Palmer Audi victory at Brands Hatch this afternoon (Saturday).

Starting from fourth on the grid, the American benefited from early drama off the line and was in second position by the time the cars reached Paddock Hill Bend for the first time. Richard Plant had already stormed off into the lead, whilst Adam Foster was left in a sandwich between Newgarden and Kazim Vasiliauskas - contact was inevitable and it was Vasiliauskas who tangled with Foster. Both continued without damage but Newgarden had already got by in to second position, which was soon to become first when news filtered through that Plant had jumped the start.

Plant received a ten second penalty to be added at the end of the race, but this didn't stop Newgarden trying to take the position on the track. The American made the move on lap seven by slipping down the inside of Plant at Paddock, who immediately lost another place to Vasiliauskas on the run up to Druids Hairpin. "I will take the win anyway I can," said Newgarden. "I am focussed on trying to get a third victory tomorrow."

The top two maintained positions until the end of the race and a delighted Paul Rees inherited third after Plant was given his penalty. It was just reward for Rees who had battled his way from seventh on the grid, which included early moves past Maxime Jousse and Ashley Babbra. "I thought I finished fourth," said Rees. "It is a nice surprise and good points towards the championship."

Adam Foster's race ended on a low when he spun into the barriers coming out of Stirling's Bend - he was able to return to the track but finished outside of the points. Tristan Vautier made another good impression, finishing in fourth ahead of Plant.

Maxime Jousse was sixth and Jose Alonso took seventh after ending on top of an intriguing race long battle with Ashley Babbra - the Spaniard eventually getting past on the final lap. Kenny Andrews and David Rotar were ninth and tenth respectively.

Kazim Vasiliauskas's fastest lap in race one means he will start on pole for the final race of the weekend tomorrow (Sunday). He will be joined on the front row by Josef Newgarden, whilst Richard Plant and Adam Foster will start from third and fourth respectively.

Formula Palmer Audi Championship, race two, results:

1. Josef Newgarden, 16 laps
2. Kazim Vasiliauskas, +0.823s
3. Paul Rees, +11.110s
4. Tristan Vautier, +12.090s
5. Richard Plant, +12.175s
6. Maxime Jousse, +15.481s
7. Jose Alonso, +17.863s
8. Ashley Babbra, +17.899s
9. Kenny Andrews, +24.025s
10. David Rotar, +30.273s

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.