Fine third place for Hexis Racing

The fantastic start by Fred Makowiecki, shooting forward from the second line to clinch 2nd place, augured well for the end of the race. On 8 July at the Algarve circuit, team Hexis Racing indeed clinched its third consecutive podium of the season, finishing on the third step. Even if car no. 2 driven by Grégoire Demoustier and Alvaro Parente unfortunately had to abandon the race, it's a fine result for the team supported by Motul if we bear in mind that the McLaren is competing in its first full season and is facing clearly more experienced contenders. In no. 1, Stef Dusseldorp even managed to drive in the lead for a few laps after the change of driver, but this circuit is visibly more favourable to front-engined cars. 

The drivers of the McLaren no. 2 will not remember this Portuguese round so fondly.   Greg Demoustier experienced a turbulent beginning of the race, grazing a few contenders and losing an air distributor which made roadholding trickier in the rapid turns. The car was 10th when  Alvaro Parente — racing on home turf! — took over, before unfortunately having to abandon the race a few laps later owing to a mechanical problem. 
Philippe Dumas, team leader, summarises: 'I was expecting better for no.2 and the pit stops were not perfect. It must be admitted that the McLaren is causing us some concern in this field. But no.1 nevertheless obtained a superb result. Our four drivers were exemplary.' 

With the official cancellation a few days ago of the 2 races scheduled in China, the championship is slated to move to Russia for a race in Moscow at the end of September. 

Team standings
01// All-Inkl.com Münnich Motorsport - Mercedes - 156 pts
02// Vita4One - BMW - 112 pts
03// Hexis Racing - McLaren - 105 pts - Motul

Photo credit : Antonin Grenier