You are in > manchester.com  > News > France record Portuguese A1 double

General Sports News

France record Portuguese A1 double

23/10/2005

Alexandre Premat handed France a double victory at the A1 grand prix in Estoril, Portugal.

France recorded their third A1 triumph early in the day with Premat winning the sprint race.

Brazilian Nelson Piquet started on pole position but had to settle for second place, while Switzerland's Neel Jani finished third.

Piquet lost his lead on the first corner and failed to regain it, with Premat putting in a strong, solid drive for victory.

Great Britain's Robbie Kerr went off the track following an incident with Ireland's Ralph Firman and was forced to settle for 20th place.

The longer race was disrupted early on, with the safety car forced to make three appearances.

Following the stoppages, normal service resumed and Premat led the race from Jani.

The Frenchman was able to open up a comfortable lead and cruise to victory ahead of Jani, with Firman finishing third for Ireland's first podium of the season.

Kerr had another disappointing race, coming home in 12th position after gearbox problems.

After their successes at Estoril, France are now the only team to have scored in every race this season and Premat has jumped above Piquet at the top of the championship standings.

© Adfero Ltd