Silverstone Formula Renault 3.5: Rivals sympathise with Marco Sorensen

Lotus driver Sorensen had dominated the second race of the weekend, leading throughout until a puncture forced him to retire with a lap and a half to go.

After the race, title contenders Sam Bird, Robin Frijns and Jules Bianchi, who all benefitted from Sorensen's plight, praised his performance.

Bird, who inherited the win, said: "You've got to feel for Marco. He was driving very well and it was difficult to keep with him.

"I feel sorry for him because he drove a super race. Sometimes you get given presents and you have to take them, and this was one for me."

While Bird had battled with a late-race misfire, Sorensen had spent the whole race unable to use the DRS on his rear wing. It was the second time this year he had retired while leading, after a throttle problem halted him in race two at Aragon.

Championship leader Frijns said: "Marco deserved the win. He had no DRS and he was pulling away. He has been so unlucky this year which is sad. He's a guy I like to race against and he deserves more."

Bianchi added: "Well done to Sam, but I'm sorry for Marco. He did a really good race, so the puncture at the end was very bad luck."

Sorensen told AUTOSPORT that while he could take some comfort from the fact that his performances have impressed, he felt bad for his Lotus team.

"We are so unlucky, and it's nobody's fault," he said. "I'm sure we have lost about 75 points this year.

"I can feel good about my performances because I have proved what I am capable of, but I feel bad for the guys in the team. They give me a good car, they are great to work with, and then something like this happens. They are devastated."