Van der Zande sensational in Valencia

Renger van der Zande delivered another extremely impressive performance in Valencia on Sunday afternoon, finishing as the highest placed Mercedes driver when the chequered flag fell.  The Dutchman drove a clean race and ultimately crossed the line in fifth.Van der Zande was then removed from the results straight after the race due to a qualifying infringement yesterday. However, despite racing under protest, he has reason to be happy with arguably his best performance of the year.

“I managed to drive well in the race, lap after lap setting the same time,” said van der Zande. “I have been removed from the results and the result is pending, as we have put in an appeal with the race stewards. Right now I showed as a rookie that I can match the experienced Mercedes drivers. Those are the likes of Coulthard, Schumacher and Paffett, with Formula 1 experience. If I can repeat this at Hockenheim then my season will have been good!”

The season finale takes place at Hockenheim in three weeks’ time.