Liverpool FC claimed first blood in the Superleague Formula by Sonangol when Spaniard Adrian Vallés comfortably won the opening race at Magny Cours in France today (28 June).
Vallés went into the lead on lap five and even retained his lead during the mandatory pit-stop for tyres.
Dutchman Yelmer Buurman in the Anderlecht car, despite being involved in an opening lap multiple car accident, came home second after successfully defending from the Tottenham Hotspur car of Britain Craig Dolby the pair separated by less than a second at the chequered flag.
The pole-starting SC Corinthians car of Antônio Pizzonia (BRA) ultimately finished fourth after reigning GP2 champion Giorgio Pantano dropped from fourth to 12th place after spinning his AC Milan car at high speed with less than five minutes remaining.
A second 45-minute race, with the 18-cars lining up in the reverse of the opening race finishing order, plus a new three-lap non-points scoring shoot out for the top-three in races one and two, are staged later today.
Liverpool FC: Adrian Vallés (SP)
It was a good race pretty comfortable. My only problem was that at the start I had to switch the gearbox to manual mode at the start so for the opening two laps I was getting used to that. But I got in to a rhythm, caught up the Corinthians car again and overtook him. It was a good race and a great way to start the SLF season.
Anderlecht: Yelmer Buurman (NED)
The start was difficult as the pole-starting Corinthians car seemed to back off just before the green light at the start line and the Tottenham car overtook me at the first corner. But then I was hit further around the opening lap, causing me to spin and damaging the bodywork. Despite being unsure about the level of damage, I continued. It was a good fight with the Tottenham car in the closing stages and Im very happy with second place.
Tottenham Hotspur: Craig Dolby (GB)
We started on old tyres but I got around the outside of the Liverpool and Anderlecht cars at the start before Liverpool got me back going into turn 2. I didnt stop exactly right in my pit box for the tyre change which delayed us. But on new tyres I was able to push hard and recover the places Id lost due to the stop. I pressed the Anderlecht car hard for second place but came up a little short. Nevertheless Im very proud to give Spurs a rostrum finish on my debut for the London club.