Penalised Perez deprived of podium

The 2009 GP2 Series ended in confusion today at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão. The race initially had to be red-flagged because of a startline accident and it took almost an hour to clear the debris. The event restarted behind the Safety Car, but the six leading drivers were then given drive-through penalties for overtaking it prematurely. That elevated Telmex Arden star Sergio Perez to an unexpected second place, which he held to the flag, but he was later given a 25s penalty for overtaking when yellow warning flags were showing. The stewards’ decision dropped him to 12th. Team-mate Edoardo Mortara finished ninth on the road and was promoted to eighth because of Perez’s misdemeanour.

Edoardo: “This has been a really bad weekend – even worse than Monza – and I’m happy that it’s over. I had a difficult race and was struggling because the car had bent steering. In the circumstances, I just did the best I could.”

Sergio: “I’m happy with my maiden GP2 season and would like to thank the team for its efforts. We had a bit of luck in today’s race – initially, at least – but we were quick, too. I didn’t overtake deliberately under the yellow flag, obviously, and it’s a pity to lose out after ending the campaign on what I thought was a high note. Things have generally gone well in the second half of the year and I hope to race with Arden again in 2010. Whatever happens, though, I would like to wish the team all the best for the future.”

About Arden Motorsport

Arden International is one of the most successful teams in F3000 history. Arden, together with two promising rookies will see 2009 as an opportunity to finish in the top end of the Series Team Championship. The team maintains its link with the Red Bull F1 team through team owner Christian Horner, and has proved its importance as Arden's 2008 driver Sebastien Buemi takes the number one seat at Toro Rosso for the 2009 F1 Season. Spearheading Ardens Main Series fight for the Championship title are F3 graduates Sergio Perez and Edoard Mortara. Having demonstrated skill and excellent progression in their respective classes both rookies have earned their place in the GP2 series for the 2009 Season and a strong opportunity to contest the GP2 Drivers title.

In the Asia Series, Edoardo Mortara has already demonstrated ability and confidence to finish in the points during his first ever GP2 weekend. This being a strong point for his move into the GP2 Main Series Championship. Luiz Razia has carefully built his GP2 Asia weekend experiences and now has the poise to enter the GP2 Main Series with certain goals.