EU 2.0: Series Le Mans race two report

Clean sweep for Vergne

With two pole-positions and two race wins, Jean-Eric Vergne (SG Formula) has completed a perfect weekend and moves up to second place in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0. Antonio Felix da Costa (Motopark Academy), on the podium for the seventh time this season, consolidates his leadership in the overall standings, while Albert Costa (Epsilon Euskadi) loses out with a costly retirement.

After his win on Saturday afternoon, Jean-Eric Vergne lined up once again in pole position this Sunday morning, ahead of Albert Costa, Arthur Pic (SG Formula) and Antonio Felix da Costa. The first time through the Dunlop chicane proved eventful for more than one driver. Jean-Eric Vergne held Albert Costa off to save his lead.

Several cars had to cut the chicane and came into contact. For Arthur Pic, Nigel Melker (MP Motorsport), Federico Scionti (One Racing), Nico Muller (Jenzer Motorsport) and Arno Santamato (Pole Services) the race was over, while others had to pit to change nose cones. The safety car went into action ahead of Jean-Eric Vergne, Albert Costa, Antonio Felix da Costa, Kevin Magnussen (Motopark Academy) and Nathanael Berthon (Epsilon Euskadi).

At the restart, Jean-Eric Vergne effected an impressive overtake and behind him Albert Costa fought off a virile, but fair, attack from Antonio Felix da Costa. Costa had to brake late and hard to hold onto second place. Kevin Magnussen and Nathanael Berthon were quick to benefit and were back on the tail of third place Antonio Felix da Costa. Slightly further back, Ramez Azzam (SG Formula), Miki Monras (SG Formula), Adrian Quaife-Hobbs (Motopark Academy) and Kuba Giermaziak (Motopark Academy) battled for 6th place.

In the leader group, the order was shaken up when Albert Costa made a costly error. The Spaniard found himself down in 23rd before having to retire shortly afterwards. He left Jean-Eric Vergne and Antonio Felix da Costa to fight for the win. Behind them, Nathanael Berthon looked for a way through to grab the third podium spot, but Kevin Magnussen was determined to defend his prize.

The spectacular fight between Magnussen and Berthon almost overshadowed the race between the two leaders. Jean-Eric Vergne stabilized the gap at around two seconds over Antonio Felix da Costa and looked to be driving straight towards his third win in a row, his fourth of the season. The Portuguese driver made up some of that gap at the end of the race, but he couldn't stop the Frenchman from executing a Le Mans clean sweep, with Kevin Magnussen claiming the third podium place. At just sixteen, the son of former F1 driver Jan Magnussen climbed onto the podium for the first time in his career.

This win boosts Jean-Eric Vergne's championship campaign, putting him into second place in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 standings, seven points behind the leader. For Albert Costa, this retirement may prove costly. He goes away from Le Mans in third place in the overall standings. Only two meetings to go -- and there can only be one winner at the end!

Quote, unquote:

Jean-Eric Vergne: "It's my home country, my home track - because I've learned so much here - so it's great to have the two wins. It's perfect to be up to second place too before the holiday! Now we need to prepare well for the last two legs to go for the title."

Antonio Felix da Costa: "I still lead the championship, and that's perfect. The car was going well today, I slotted in behind Albert Costa and tried to push him into making an error. And he did. Two more podiums, important points scored, we can be satisfied with that."

Kevin Magnussen: "The podium has been my goal since the start of the season, but I kept making a mistake in the first lap. In qualifying, I've had some ups and downs, but overall the performance has been there. I'm very happy today! It's a season for me to learn the ropes and I hope to be fighting for the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 title next year."

-credit: wsr