Sepang 2007: Swiss don't miss to go clear at top.

Sunday, 25th November 2007

Even a pit lane faux pas cannot deny Switzerland their first A1 GP double triumph.

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He didn't have long to enjoy it though as the window for the second mandatory pit stops opened, with Jani taking full advantage to dive in at the first opportunity.

Keen not to race Brazil in the pit lane, Switzerland produced a perfect pit-stop and sent Jani out on his way, crucially, onto a clear circuit.

Despite Jani immediately putting the hammer down on new tyres to set fastest sector times, it took two laps for Jimenez to finally make his way into the pit lane. However, while the Argo Racing team produced an equally strong stop, Jimenez had not done enough to stay ahead of Jani and watched as, appropriately enough, he swept back past on the exit to the pit lane.

With several teams taking a chance on staying out as long as possible, including Netherlands, India, a still-running New Zealand and a recovering Germany, Switzerland was now effectively in the lead, with Brazil second, followed several seconds behind by France and Great Britain.

For France and Great Britain, their battle was with Netherlands, who were attempting to get a good enough gap back to their rivals whilst circulating in the lead. Eventually, they pitted on lap 27, but ruined their chances of staying ahead of France when a clutch problem prompted a brief stall from Bleekemolen. Still, Netherlands would still be ahead of Great Britain after they were given a drive-through penalty for speeding in the pit lane.

Germany's afternoon proved even more eventful when Ammermuller collided with another car whilst doing the similar move that had already got him into trouble twice, Czech Republic's Erik Janis is victim this time.

Up ahead though, Switzerland were steaming ahead, Jani producing the fastest lap of the race to put seconds between himself and Brazil, Jimenez resigned to the fact his chance for a surprise victory had gone.

Eventually crossing the line with a margin of eight seconds, Switzerland completed their first-ever perfect weekend of two pole positions, two fastest laps and two race wins.