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Double points finish for Devaney
2003-04-29 - By Philip Byrne
Motorsport Ireland 'Young Racing Driver of the Year' Michael Devaney from Rathfarnham, Dublin, got his 2003 German Formula BMW Championship campaign off to a solid start at Hockenhiem over the weekend with two points finishes at the German Grand Prix circuit.
 Driving for reigning champions Team Rosberg, Friday's first qualifying session saw the 18-year-old set the tenth fastest time as he struggled with the set-up on his Seahorse.ie backed car. With the problem sorted for Race 2 qualifying, the Irish ace immediately found himself running at the head of the field as he set the third fastest time. The performance was to be short lived however as race officials later disallowed the time as Michael was deemed to have over used the kerbs at the chicane. As a result of losing his time he would start from the fifth row of the grid.
A race winner in the 2002 Formula BMW Championship, Michael put in a strong performance in the opening race making up four places on his way to a solid sixth place finish. Confident of a similar performance in Round 2, Michael made a good start but contact at the first corner saw him loose his front wing. Battling with understeer on his car as a result, Michael managed to hold on for a second points finish crossing the line in ninth position.
Said Devaney :
"For sure this is not the perfect start to our championship campaign. We came to Hockenhiem aiming for two podium finishes and obviously we are disappointed not to have achieved this. We had some problems but on the positive side we did manage to score points in both races and these could prove critical when it comes down to the final few races of the season in deciding the title. Adria is next and having being quickest in pre-season testing there we are confident of two good results.
The former Irish Kart Champion, who was fifth overall in last year's championship, is currently tenth in the standings and with 18 rounds in front of him he is confident that he can live up to pre-season hype which puts Michael as one of the title favourites.
Also backed by Movie Magic and Rugbytech, Michael's next outing is in two weeks time (May 10/11) at the Adria circuit in Italy where the Irish sports star was quickest in pre-season testing.
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