Fernando ends his 2004 Formula Russell-USA season with victory and the
general leadership

The Brazilian racing driver Fernando Ribeiro closed with honor his participation in the 2004 Formula Russell-USA season being successful on race #8 in the Infineon Raceway, California. Fernando who started in pole-position faced strong opposition from American driver Cole Nelson (16).  

In this race Fernando was drafted with an excellent car, that allowed him to make pole-position with 1:45:724, 0.3s faster than Steve Hill. Cole Nelson placed 3rd.  In the race, Fernando started 1st, followed close by Cole Nelson and Steve Hill, both going up to corner #1 side by side. Hill tries to take the inside of corner #2 but Cole Nelson was enable to see him due to the tight circumstances and closed the door, maneuvers considered illegal by the track officers. The cars make contact and Hill was forced to abandon. 

Fernando leads followed by Cole Nelson who was unharmed in the accident. The two leaders open distance for the rest of the field but the Brazilian sets the pace opening a small advantage each lap. The race seemed to be under control but from lap 5 on, Fernando's drama begun. Without understanding the proper reason Fernando sees Cole Nelson approaching as well as Pieter Rossi, 3rd. The Brazilian pushes to the limit but perceives that his car does not answer as in the beginning. Cole Nelson puts total pressure on the Brazilian, who escapes on turn 10a yielding the leadership. For the next 4 laps the two leaders battled a high level fight, but Fernando faced more and more difficulty in keeping contact with the leader. 5 laps to go Fernando's car spoiled quickly, disclosing what was provoking the constant fall of stability: The right back tire was losing pressure little by little, since the beginning of the race. Left hand corners become extremely dangerous, with over steers launching suddenly. Driving in the tip of the fingers, Fernando explores all the potential of his car in the straight lines and right corners, longing for the end of the race. The two last laps had been a true capital punishment and finally Fernando sees the white flag announcing the last one. The approach of Wes Phillips, 3rd was eminent, but the Brazilian was able to manager the advantage and cross 0.2s ahead. 

When arriving in the pit area Fernando immediately verifies and evidences that the right rear tire loosed pressure and the tire valve was found flabby. Fernando asked for the presence of one of the Russell Racing officers to communicate but the fact was considered just a mechanical problem. In this instant Fernando was informed that he was being declared the winner, because Cole Nelson were penalized in 60 seconds due to the incident with Steve Hill in the beginning of the race.

After the race #8 Fernando summed a total of 105 points, assuming the leadership of the championship in both class, Master and General, concluding his participation in the 7 races he had as prize. Saved if something extraordinary happens until the end of May, Fernando will be forced to suspend his career in motor racing, hopping that the points conquered until now will be sufficient at the end of the season to place 3rd in the Master and 10th overalls. Those results may help Fernando to be back in 2005.

USABR News

May 2004