"We were strong - very strong - in Turkey, but I was just too cautious when trying to pass Adrien," Powers said in an interview. "It was clear we were quicker, but I think something changed in my mind - something changed with the mentality - when I heard Klaas had retired."
"It suddenly went from 'This is a great chance to win' to 'This is a great chance to take points back' and I think maybe I didn't want to risk throwing away 18 points for 25 when Klaas was scoring nothing." When pressed if he believed Klaas retired affected things Powers responded, "definitely. I became more reserved and it was about getting the car to the end in one piece in a strong position. But my lack of aggression definitely cost us the win in Turkey. I've watched the race back and I had chances, I just should have taken one of them." The race has sparked rumours in the paddock that there could be driver moves afoot, with Powers linked to a shock switch to DS Mathershaw. The French outfit have already confirmed their 2018 driver line-up but Powers' current team - British based Downton - are yet to do so. The two are closely linked through friendship, technical partnerships and an engine deal where both parties have a hand in the build and development of the engine, but rumours suggest some secret meetings have taken place to prize Powers away from Downton. These were further strengthened by Powers' apparent refusal to pass Simon in Turkey, with certain members of the paddock suggesting he did not want to upset his new employer. "I'm led to believe meetings have taken place and a deal is close to being done," reported an anonymous source. "With the season Downton have had, it's incredibly strange for them to not announce both drivers will be staying next season - unless they won't be - especially as they're usually amongst the first of the teams to confirm a line-up. Rumour indicates Powers will be heading to DS Mathershaw to partner Simon, leaving Downton to find a new team for Klaas van Snelheid."
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