Mitch Evans Takes GP3 Pole Ahead Of Championship Rivals At Monza

Championship leader Mitch Evans has taken pole-position for this afternoon’s first GP3 race around the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, after a thrilling end to qualifying this morning. The Kiwi was able to qualify ahead of Championship rivals Antonio Felix da Costa, Aaro Vainio and Daniel Abt, with da Costa set to start the race alongside Evans from 2nd.

As the session got underway in glorious weather conditions, the majority of the field immediately took to the track headed by the Lotus of Conor Daly. Alice Powell set the initial pace, however she was immediately thwarted by the dominant Mitch Evans who wasted no time in asserting his authority with a 01:47.768. In traditional GP3 qualifying fashion, the time immediately began to tumble as the rest of the field crossed the line, with Matias Laine, Daniel Abt, William Buller, Aaro Vainio and Tio Ellinas all sharing the top spot as the session progressed.

The Cypriot was able to improve upon his time at the top, setting a 01:44.767 as Kevin Ceccon and Patric Niederhauser made contact through turns 4 and 5. Both were able to continue, however the Italian driver suffered minor damage to his front wing. Tio Ellinas was then able to extend his advantage at the top with yet another quick lap, before Championship contender Antonio Felix da Costa stormed to the top with a 01:44.454, a time which the Portuguese driver was able to capitalize on a lap later with a 01:44.336.

Local female star Vicky Piria ran exceedingly wide at turn 7, as the Trident Racing driver strove to improve upon her time. Whilst Piria skipped through the gravel, William Buller shot to the top with a 01:44.273, before Mitch Evans reasserted his authority over proceedings once again with a scintillating 01:43.542. Fellow Championship rival Antonio Felix da Costa was able to improve to 2nd, whereas Aaro Vainio and Daniel Abt failed to improve after getting impeded on their final laps.

This qualifying result means Mitch Evans can clinch the 2012 GP3 Drivers’ Championship this afternoon in the opening race, after receiving the all-important four points for taking pole-position. However, with Antonio Felix da Costa starting alongside the Kiwi on the grid, expect a highly entertaining race as the two strive for the GP3 Drivers’ Championship.

Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP3 Series Media Service