The team with drivers Mattia Drudi, Giorgio Maggi and Nikolaj Rogivue gained plenty of useful experience but fewer points than had been expected in the third ADAC Formula 4 race weekend at Spa-Francorchamps.

The weekend's highlights

Double points: After a promising race weekend in Austria with a gain of 67 positions in total, SMG Swiss Motorsport Group had counted on securing more points in Spa. Despite producing a solid qualifying performance, however, they lacked the necessary luck in the races. Giorgio Maggi and Mattia Drudi limited the damage with ninth place in Race 1 and tenth position in Race 2. "We cannot be happy with the results," said Drudi, who had achieved a podium at the season opener in Oschersleben. "We must now quickly draw a line under Spa and concentrate on the next fixture. I know that we have the potential for much better results."

Front row: The team's hopes on Sunday were pinned on Giorgio Maggi. The young Swiss driver was second on the grid in the third race. No-fault incidents, however, prevented the expected top-notch finish. "The start was tricky, because it was still wet on my side of the grid and yet already dry to my right," said Giorgio. "That caused me to drop back a little. I was hit twice by other cars on the first few laps and had to retire from the race before the end with a puncture."

Top teamwork: Nikolaj Rogivue was involved in a collision early on in the first race on Saturday. His car was badly damaged in the incident and had to be transported back to the pits. The team pulled out all the stops and managed to repair the Formula 4 racing car in time for the second race. The mechanics worked through the night - a strong team performance. "Things didn't go well for us from a sporting point of view," said Nikolaj. "But nevertheless, a big thank you to the guys! The way they got my car back on the road in such a short time was terrific. We stuck together as a team and that makes me feel confident about the races to come."

The three of them meet Todt: A special treat was in store for the three Swiss SMG Motorsport Group drivers on Saturday evening. Mattia Drudi, Giorgio Maggi and Nikolaj Rogivue met FIA president Jean Todt at the big ADAC Formula 4 photo shoot on the legendary Eau Rouge corner. Despite the Formula 1 grand prix taking place in Austria, Todt had travelled especially to Spa in order to watch the young drivers race. "It was a great honour for us," said Giorgio Maggi. "Jean Todt's visit is evidence of the huge interest in our series, which also benefits us as drivers."

What team principal Jörn Becker had to say: "Spa-Francorchamps was an educational experience for our young team. Certainly we had hoped for a better result in view of our performance in the first races of the season. Our pace in qualifying makes us feel confident that things will go better again for us at the Lausitzring. The mood within the team is great. We will not be put off by a tough weekend."

Source: Team