31.10.09 CONFIDENT TURVEY BACK ON THE PACE Oliver Turvey put yesterday's disappointing qualifying session well and truly behind him to finish eighth in the GP2 Asia pitstop race at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi today. The top eight finish puts the delighted RSF driver on pole position for the start of tomorrow's reverse grid race. Turvey - who started the season opener from the ninth row of the grid - was quick off the line, displaying growing confidence behind the wheel of his iSport car as he made up six places on the first lap. When he pitted for his mandatory stop he was up to sixth, slick teamwork enabling him to rejoin in 12th. From there he moved up to ninth, holding his ground during two short safety car periods and restarts, eventually inheriting eighth place when his hapless countryman and fellow rookie Sam Bird dropped out with a lap to go. "I got off the line well to make a really good start and managed to make up a few positions by turn 1," he said. "I also had a really good first lap as well to come round in 12th. And then over the course of the race I had the pace to pick off a few more. "So, quite a pleasing first race. After qualifying yesterday I was little bit disappointed. But today, with more track time under my belt, I've felt a lot more comfortable in the car which has enabled me to get into the top eight. "With my team mate Valesecchi getting the win, it's a good start for iSport who I'd like to thank for providing me with a great car and working so hard with me to make this result possible. "They're doing a great job and I'm learning more about the car each time I go out. So hopefully tomorrow we can try and get another win for them." << back to news