“My first season racing in Europe was something that I will never forget,” Alexander commented. “I came into the championship without any winter testing as well as a team change mid season, which caused some high moments, but just as many low moments throughout the year. However, what I learned and was able to experience is something that I will remember for the rest of my motorsport career. On top of this, finishing off the season with the rookie title and win number three was very rewarding and it just made me realize that one can never stop pushing in and out of the car even if the results are not always there.”

After crossing the line with what he believed was a 6th place qualifying effort, Alexander was shocked to learn that his on track performance was being reviewed. Later, he would be informed that he was to be given a questionable five-place grid penalty for using “too much road” on the exit of the famous corner Acque Minerali, thereby not “respecting the track boundaries.” Not allowing this to dissuade his focus, Alexander was motivated as he clawed his way back to the top of the order for the remainder of the weekend.

“I was obviously not satisfied with qualifying 6th, as the potential for the front row was there; however, we lost valuable time during my pit stop for the 2nd set of new tires,” Alexander said. “Additionally the stewards imposed a new rule immediately before qualifying, which was meant to prevent drivers from running four wheels over the white line on exit of Acque Minerali. I ran over the line and do not dispute that, but what was frustrated at the time given the fact that a large percentage of the field did the same thing. It is the quickest way through that corner and only myself and Josef Kral were penalized.”

As a result of the penalty, Alexander was relegated to 11th place on the grid for race one. This setback was certainly behind him as he drove a brilliantly aggressive race, overtaking six cars to finish 5th.

Alexander lined up fourth on the grid for race two. He had a brilliant start to the race overtaking two positions and was in second behind team-mate Erik Janis by the exit of Turn 1. For the next 11 laps, Alexander targeted a move for the lead but had to patiently wait for the right opportunity while withstanding pressure from Josef Kral in third place. Alexander overtook the lead on lap 12 with an amazing move to the inside entering the 2nd chicane Villeneuve. Once free from Janis, Alexander was immediately able to stretch a gap and received the chequered flag with a 1.7 second advantage ahead of Kral 2nd, Afanasiev 3rd and Janis 4th.

“Sunday’s race win was probably Alexander’s best drive of the season,” says ISR team principal Igor Salaquarda. “He was under pressure for a long time, but he didn’t make a single mistake for the whole race. It was a very good way for him to end the season because it proved what a good driver he is.”

While Imola was the final event of the International Formula Master 2009 Championship, Alexander has a commitment to participate in the GP2 Main Series Collective Tests at Jerez, Spain, October 6-8th and Paul Ricard, France, November 10- 12th. Rossi will use these tests to better prepare for his Formula One test with BMW Sauber also in Jerez, December 1st – 3rd.

Rossi is currently residing in Marina di Pietrasanta, Italy where he trains daily with Beppe Sebastiani, preparing for the tests mentioned above and the 2010 season. Rossi will have short holiday in December when he will come home to California.

“I am looking forward to my schedule for the next couple of months as the opportunities that have presented themselves are incredible,” Alexander commented. “I will be pushing very hard to do a good job in both the GP2 tests as well as the Formula One test. My fitness program is being increased all the time and I am very confident that I will be ready to maximize my potential in cars of such calibre.”

“The weekend started well,” says Alexander. “I was second quickest in the opening practice session on heavy fuel and used tires, so I was confident to be competitive in qualifying and the race. Qualifying is always important in racing, especially at Oschersleben, it is quite narrow and twisty making it difficult to overtake. It reminds me of a big go-kart track.”

Rossi’s ISR Racing Team improved their cars performance over curbs, which there were many at Oscherslaben, and the results were positive. Alexander qualified third, 0.3s shy of pole position. In qualifying Rossi stayed out additional laps than anticipated and in closing laps of the session, when lightest on fuel his Tattus / Honda misfired from lack of fuel pressure.

“I really wanted pole position,” says Alexander, “and I thought this strategy was a risk worth taking. Unfortunately, we were just a bit too low on fuel and the engine misfired through three corners on my final and fastest lap. Without that, I think we had pole. The whole ISR team gave me a great race car all weekend, I was very happy with it.”

From third on the grid, Alexander made a great start in race one to challenge Fabio Leimer for the lead at Turn 1. Rossi looking to overtake the lead, he opened up radius which allowed Sergey Afanasiev and Erik Janis to pass, dropping Alexander to fourth place.

“In 49 laps of racing during the weekend the end result could have been better, but some weekends just go that way,” says Alexander. “There were just two overtaking moves during both Formula Master races, that is how difficult it was to pass at Oschersleben. I was very happy with my speed and sector times in traffic, however overtaking is another story unless the driver in front make a mistake. Both Erik and Sergey drove great ”

The reverse grid for race two saw Alexander start from fifth place on the grid and, once again, he made a clean get-away. He was pushed onto the grass at the exit of Turn 2 by Afanasiev and dropped back to seventh, which once again was the finishing order ot the 21 lap race.

“I’m not upset with Sergey for putting me out on the grass,” says Alexander, “He did the right thing and gave me no room. I was vulnerable on the outside, but I was not about to give him the corner, that’s racing. My only regret from the weekend is that I didn’t settle for second place at the start of race one, instead of challenging Leimer for the lead at Turn 1 and coming off second-best. Hindsight a great thing and I have learned a lot about Oschersleben.”

Alexander now lies fifth in the overall championship table, 14 points away from Afanasiev in second place.

With only two races remaining it is still possible to take second in the overall championship and the rookie title. “I will be pushing in Imola to make it happen and look forward to challenge,” Rossi commented.

Germany behind him, Alexander is already focused on tasks ahead, leaving for Italy immediately after race to prepare with his trainer Beppe Sebastiani. Alexander is training 5-6 days a week preparing for final International Formula Master rounds in Imola, fall testing plans and F1 test with BMW / Sauber, December 1 – 3rd.

“My training with Beppe is very rigorous,” says Alexander. “I want to be as physically prepared as possible for my BMW Sauber Formula One test at the beginning of December, I am leaving no stone unturned.”

Next up for International Formula Master are Rounds 15 and 16 at Circuit Imola, Italy, September 18 -20th. Live coverage to found on Eurosport TV and Live streaming at www.formulamaster.net.

Photo by Dawn Rossi, Team Rossi Motorsports

Practice: 2nd – Qualifying: 2nd – Race 1: 5th – Race 2: 1st

“After Saturday’s turn 1 incident at the start it was great to have a clean getaway Sunday and take the win”, Rossi said. “With the safety car circulating the field the first few laps due to an incident with Sims and Snooks, I had to work at maintaining temperature in the tires and brakes. This enabled me to make a good re-start and take the lead from Pal Varhaug exiting ‘Eau Rouge’. ISR Racing gave me a perfect car this weekend and I owe a big thanks to the whole crew.”

Rossi controlled the pace from the front with some late pressure from championship leader Fabio Leimer, holding a 1 second margin at the end. It was a fitting end to a weekend in which Alexander had been one of the fastest drivers in the field. He set the second fastest time in practice and qualifying, but was denied a podium finish in race one when contact was made by Josef Kral in a turn 1 incident.

Turn 1 incident in Round 11 caused Rossi to drop to seventh at start. However he demonstrated determination and car control, despite a damaged floor and aerodynamics. His damaged car was not optimum in sector two which is a series high speed left hand corners. Nevertheless he managed to overtake two cars and come home in fifth place.

Alexander’s once again proved his speed and tenacity this weekend to BMW Motorsport director, Dr. Mario Theissen, whom Alexander met after race 1 in the Formula BMW Members Lounge. “The most important thing is to be quick, and Alexander is that,” said Dr. Theissen. “Incidents at Turn 1 happen to the best drivers.”

At Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgium Grand Prix this past weekend, Dr. Theissen took the opportunity to present Alexander with his F1 Test suit that will be worn during his Formula One test at Circuit Jerez, December 1 -3rd.

“I’ve been looking forward to the F1 test with BMW since winning the world finals last December,” said Alexander. “My responsibility and preparations for the test are being taken very seriously, to ensure the best results.”

Prior to the F1 test with BMW, four rounds still remain in International Formula Master Championship. Rounds 13 and 14 are next weekend in Oschersleben, Germany, September 4-6th, supporting World Touring Car Championship. Alexander has tested at the 2.28-mile circuit in a Formula Renault.

“Oschersleben is an interesting track,” commented Alexander, “but not my favorite circuit. I’ve never raced there before, only tested and believe qualifying will be extremely important as it looks very difficult to overtake.”

With the series standard Friday practice session eliminated by Formula One due to scheduling constraints, everyone headed straight into qualifying on Friday evening. Alexander and ISR Racing secured a fourth position on the grid despite brake issues the plagued the session.

“I was disappointed after the session,” says Alexander. “We have been struggling with rear brake problems since the beginning of our weekend in Brands Hatch and have continued to experience problems thus far in Hungary. The car and I had the pace for pole position, but we were not able to capitalize on this as we had to bleed the brake system during qualifying. Hopefully, we can resolve this issue in time for tomorrow’s race so that we may challenge for the victory.”

While the braking problems were solved in time for Sunday’s race, a front wing failure on lap 14 forced him to register his first retirement of the year.

“I’m pleased that we solved the brake problems,” said ISR team boss Igor Salaquarda, “but I’m very angry about the front wing failure because a part like that shouldn’t fail. I have informed Formula Master that I am going to make my own bolts for the front wing in time for the next race. As for Alexander’s performance, he drove very well this weekend and particularly in race one. He impresses me more each weekend and I hope he can keep this forward momentum going.”

RACE ONE: 17 laps / Grid 4, Finish 3
Alexander drove a great opening lap to overtake Earl Bamber in third place, after which he ran in a train of cars behind eventual race winner Josef Kral. Around lap 6 of the race his rear dampener failed, forcing him to back off, but he was far enough ahead of fourth-placed Alexander Sims not to lose a position.

“This podium is definitely filled with mixed emotions,” said Alexander after the race. “For sure, it is nice to be on the podium at a Formula One event. I was able to move into P3 at the start and ran with the lead duo for the first six laps or so until my left rear dampener failed in turn 9. I immediately had to begin to go on the defensive as I could no longer keep the pace of Kral and Leimer. Fortunately, I was able to keep my third position, but once again I know that the team gave me a car that was good enough for a stronger finish.”

RACE TWO: 17 laps / Grid 6, Finish DNF
Alexander made a good start from the dirty side of the grid, gaining one position off the line. He then showed consistent pace in the middle part of the race, overtaking race one winner Josef Kral on lap 8, before having to retire when the front wing fell off.

“I was able to get off to a good start and moved into fifth during the opening lap,” reported Rossi. “Immediately the top five cars began to break away from the rest of the field, which made it easier for me to just focus on getting around Kral. I was able to do so about eight laps into the race, but that was as far as I could go as my front wing loosened over the next couple laps and eventually fell off under braking to turn 10. I do not understand how a front wing just fails when there is no contact. Right now I am focusing on Spa and knowing that the team and I can move on and establish a pace to be at the top.”

There is now a five-week break in the International Formula Master calendar, prior to the next race at Spa-Francorchamps, where the series will support the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix.

“We had a winning pace at Spa when we tested there in June,” says Alexander. “I am confident with the circuit and now with the brakes sorted there is no reason why we should not be on top. This is important in front of F1 teams..”

Up next for International Formula Master, with Formula 1 at Spa Francorchamps for Belgium Grand Prix, August 28-30 for rounds 11 and 12.

Photo by Dawn Rossi, Team Rossi Motorsports, LLC

As was the case at Brno three weeks ago, qualifying was a bit of a lottery due to rain. A heavy shower prior to the start meant that the track was drying throughout the 30-minute session and wet tire management became crucial to achieving a good grid position. Alexander finished in seventh position, despite being unable to communicate with his race engineer due to a radio malfunction.

“We haven’t been able to have a proper qualifying session at Brno or Brands Hatch due to the rain,” says Alexander. “It’s been a disappointment, but I know that we have the pace and just need to put it all together in qualifying. I am sure we can be competitive for pole positions.”

RACE ONE: 28 laps – Grid 7, Finish 7 – With the weather clearing for Saturday’s race, Alexander and the team went back to the softer, dry-weather set-up that had landed them P3 in the second official practice. However, a few changes led to some unexpected results and a slight brake problem in the closing laps of the race left Rossi unable to advance up the grid.

“We tried several new things on the car,” says Alexander, “although this is always a risk when going immediately into a race without a chance to determine for sure whether it will be a positive or negative change. Before the race, we had to put a new floor on the car and unfortunately this ran the car 8mm closer to the ground and we had a lot of problems with the car bottoming. This caused fairly drastic oversteer throughout the entire race, which is a difficult side-effect to handle on a high speed track such as Brands Hatch.”

RACE TWO: 21 laps -Grid 2, Finish 2 – Alexander’s start of Sunday’s race, marking the 40th in the history of the IFM series, saw a loss of position in Turn 1 to ISR team-make Erik Janis as Alexander had too much wheelspin. Alexander was much faster, however, and he passed Janis into Turn 8 midway through lap 4 to regain second position. At this time, race leader Alessandro Kouzkin, had established a 4 second lead which Alexander reduced to just 0.2 seconds by lap 16. Unfortunately, a brake problem that had occurred in Saturday’s race represented itself and Rossi knew that second place points were not worth risking.

“Following the two World Touring Car races,” says Alexander, “I anticipated that the track would have more grip away from the line. By the time I eventually got some traction, I couldn’t stop Erik from passing me into Turn 1 and I spent the early laps trying to pressure him into a mistake. This happened at Turn 8, where he ran wide, and I could then set about chasing race leader Kouzkin.

I was able to close the gap, but I couldn’t pass Alessandro because we continued to have braking difficulties with the rear system losing pressure which was causing my brake pedal to go to the floor.”

“Alexander is a very good driver,” says ISR team Principal Igor Salaquarda. “His inexperience showed during qualifying at Brands Hatch because he didn’t manage his tyres as well as the drivers in front of him on the grid, but he’s fast. He will win more races this year and I think he can go very well at the Hungaroring.”

Rossi tested at the track prior to the start of the season; however this will be the first time at the Hungaroring in an ISR prepared car.

Up next for International Formula Master is, Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary July 24-26 for round 9 and 10.

Alessandro Kouzkin
“Practice went on quite good despite I didn’t know the track, also considering the different weather conditions between the two sessions. On qualifying I scored the 8th fastest time, but things seemed grim after receiving a penalty forcing me to start from the rear. On race 1 I recovered well though, as I took the 8th spot and the pole on Race 2. At that point, also thanks to a good start, I put on a good gap, and managed it through the finish. Though I’m satisfied for my second win of the season, I hope to add some more to the toll in the final half of the season.