But Gardiner will be ruing a more conservative approach to setup by running more rear wing than most which hampered his speed trap numbers.

After Qualifying, Gardiner was still within striking distance of retaining his perfect record in the top 10, but it would ultimately slip away after an early race battle with Gilliam, neither happy to let the other lead their pack. The battle left their draft pack too far back from the cars in front, and when Griffin lost the draft, his straight line speed was insufficient to maintain his lead.

Once the Vendaval driver had to battle at the end of the race, his straight line speed really hurt his ability to finish stronger than 16th. Still maintaining a strong sixth in the title chase, Gardiner will be looking to resume his mortgage on a top 10 result when the series resumes at Spa on August 31st!