Aaro Vainio storms to GP3 victory after lights-to-flag drive at Budapest
Aaro Vainio has stormed to his third GP3 victory around the Hungaroring, after a masterful lights-to-flag drive from the Finn who managed to fend off the charging Conor Daly during the closing laps. The leading duo were followed by Russian ace Daniil Kvyat in the MW Arden, with Jack Harvey 4th.
At the start Aaro Vainio stormed into a commanding lead over Conor Daly, as the 27-car field negotiated the tricky first few corners without incident. During the opening few laps Championship leader Tio Ellinas plummeted through the order, after first Patric Niederhauser and then Alex Fontana and Dino Zamparelli all overtook the struggling Cypriot. Whilst the field began to evenly spread themselves out around the tight and twisty confines of the Hungaroring, Aaro Vainio managed to open up a comfortable two second lead over the American ace of Conor Daly.
By Lap 9 Tio Ellinas managed to recover after his highly uncompetitive start to the race, with the Marussia Manor Racing driver managing to overtake Dino Zamparelli down the start/finish straight. As the race progressed numerous battles raged on up and down the order, with the likes of Patric Niederhauser, Giovanni Venturini and Tio Ellinas all battling hard for position. The latter began pushing beyond the limits in the closing stages of the race, as he dipped a wheel onto the grass and run extensively wide on the exit of Turn 4 but managed to rejoin.
The flow of the race was disrupted on Lap 12, after a big shunt between Luis Sa Silva and Emanuele Zonzini, with Samin Gomez also involved but miraculously able to continue. As Sa Silva, Zonzini and Gomez negotiated Turn 1, utter disaster struck when Gomez collided with Sa Silva and the unsuspecting Trident of Zonzini barrel-rolled over the Angolan driver. This incident naturally brought out the safety car, as the efficient marshals cleared the two stricken cars and debris.
After only several laps behind the safety car the race was resumed, with Conor Daly pressurizing race leader Aaro Vainio. The ART Grand Prix driver was frustratingly denied the luxury of overtaking the race leader, as the duo negotiated Turn 2 practically side-by-side. Further back the traditional GP3 mayhem ensued, as Lewis Williamson suffered a spectacular spin in a cloud of tyre smoke. Melville McKee endured a frustrating end to the race, as he dropped through the order whilst running wide with Jimmy Eriksson between Turns 4 and 5.
Despite the crazy end to the race, Aaro Vainio managed to keep his composure and secure a masterful victory after a mature drive from the Koiranen GP driver. The leading duo were separated by just +0.6 seconds across the line, with Daniil Kvyat just under five seconds behind for MW Arden. Robert Visoiu managed to finish 8th, therefore securing him the reverse grid pole for tomorrow’s second race. The Romanian driver will start alongside Kevin Korjus.
Results - 17 laps:
Pos Driver Team Time/Gap
1. Aaro Vainio Koiranen 29m17.213s
2. Conor Daly ART +0.691s
3. Daniil Kvyat MW Arden +4.853s
4. Jack Harvey ART +7.061s
5. Carlos Sainz Jr MW Arden +7.262s
6. Facu Regalia ART +7.507s
7. Kevin Korjus Koiranen +8.588s
8. Robert Visoiu MW Arden +9.307s
9. Patric Niederhauser Jenzer +10.295s
10. Giovanni Venturini Trident +11.550s
11. Alex Fontana Jenzer +12.736s
12. Tio Ellinas Manor +13.175s
13. Dino Zamparelli Manor +14.139s
14. Jimmy Eriksson Status +16.751s
15. Patrick Kujala Koiranen +18.645s
16. Nick Yelloly Carlin +18.793s
17. David Fumanelli Trident +19.245s
18. Melville McKee Bamboo +21.309s
19. Eric Lichtenstein Carlin +21.428s
20. Samin Gomez Jenzer +21.725s
21. Adderly Fong Status +22.012s
22. Josh Webster Status +22.372s
23. Carmen Jorda Bamboo +22.793s
24. Lewis Williamson Bamboo +23.417s
Retirements:
Driver Team Laps
Luis Sa Silva Carlin 12
Emanuele Zonzini Trident 12
Josh Webster Status 6
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP3 Series Media Service
Aaro Vainio Secures Koiranen GP’s Maiden GP3 Victory At Spain
Aaro Vainio has stormed to Koiranen GP’s maiden GP3 race victory in only their second ever race in the series, after a memorable 50th race in the feeder category. The Finn was followed home by team-mate Kevin Korjus, with the Jenzer Motorsport of Patric Niederhauser a distant 3rd ahead of race one winner Tio Ellinas.
Despite starting on pole position, Kevin Korjus was instantly robbed of the lead at the start, as Aaro Vainio mastered his launch off of the line and scampered into the lead from 4th on the grid. David Fumanelli suffered a disastrous start from 2nd on the grid, and fell back through the order into Turn 1. As the field negotiated the opening lap, carnage ensued at Turns 7 and 8 as Emanuele Zonzini was forced to take avoiding action from Robert Visoiu and Melville McKee, who collided with the latter being forced into retirement.
The incident resulted in the first safety car of the season, as the marshals cleared Melville McKee’s stricken Bamboo Engineering machine. However, the safety car period lasted for only one lap, before Aaro Vainio was able to storm into the lead ahead of Kevin Korjus and Nick Yelloly. Robert Visoiu was issued with a drive-thru penalty for causing the incident between himself and Melville McKee, ruining any chances he had of mounting a resurgence through the order.
As the race progressed, Daniil Kvyat and Ryan Cullen collided through Turn 4, an incident which prematurely ended both of their races with Kvyat stuck in the retaining gravel trap and Cullen eventually limping back to the pits with damaged suspension. Further up the field the Koiranen GP duo of Aaro Vainio and Kevin Korjus were cruising at the front, whereas Nick Yelloly in 3rd was coming under serious pressure from David Fumanelli. Eventually, the two collided at Turns 14 and 15 as Fumanelli tapped the rear of Yelloly’s Carlin and forced the Briton into a spin.
This incident enabled Tio Ellinas and Patric Niederhauser to rise steadily through the order to 3rd and 4th respectively, after starting the race from 8th and 7th due to the reversal of yesterday’s top eight from the results of the opening race. Emanuele Zonzini became the next to retire from the race on Lap 12, as Patric Niederhauser and Tio Ellinas reconvened their battle from yesterday’s race. Eventually the Swiss driver perfected an excellent overtaking maneuver at Turn 4 to rise to 3rd behind the Koiranen GP duo.
Despite several drivers suffering once again from tyre wear during the closing stages of the race, Aaro Vainio and Kevin Korjus remained dominant at the front of the pack. The Finnish sensation eventually crossed the line to secure only his 2nd GP3 race victory, and Koiranen GP’s maiden win after only their second race in the category. The GP3 Series will reconvene in one month, for the category’s first ever standalone event around Valencia’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
Results - 17 laps:
Pos Driver Team Time/Gap
1. Aaro Vainio Koiranen 28m44.420s
2. Kevin Korjus Koiranen + 1.808s
3. Patric Niederhauser Jenzer + 6.948s
4. Tio Ellinas Manor + 14.048s
5. David Fumanelli Trident + 15.234s
6. Conor Daly ART + 15.469s
7. Carlos Sainz Jr MW Arden + 16.085s
8. Jack Harvey ART + 17.853s
9. Lewis Williamson Bamboo + 20.916s
10. Giovanni Venturini Trident + 21.704s
11. Alex Fontana Jenzer + 22.088s
12. Eric Lichtenstein Carlin + 22.355s
13. Adderly Fong Status + 22.924s
14. Luis Sa Silva Carlin + 25.239s
15. Samin Gomez Jenzer + 25.419s
16. Facu Regalia ART + 25.968s
17. Dino Zamparelli Manor + 26.851s
18. Patrick Kujala Koiranen + 38.111s
19. Robert Visoiu MW Arden + 40.758s
20. Carmen Jorda Bamboo + 45.568s
Retirements:
Josh Webster Status 14 laps
Emanuele Zonzini Trident 12 laps
Nick Yelloly Carlin 12 laps
Jimmy Eriksson Status 10 laps
Ryan Cullen Manor 6 laps
Daniil Kvyat MW Arden 5 laps
Melville McKee Bamboo 0 laps
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP3 Series Media Service
2013 GP3 Series Preview
When the GP3 Series reconvenes around Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya for the season opening Spanish Grand Prix, a brand-new era will dawn in the category’s history. When the opening practice session gets underway on the Friday afternoon, spectators around the world will get their first glimpse of the new GP3/13 machine.
This new machine, which no longer sounds like a supercharged lawnmower, offers the drivers with a 3.4 litre naturally aspirated 400HP engine as well as a completely redesigned chassis from Dallara. The 28-car field consists of a mixture of returning and new drivers all striving to work their way up to the pinnacle of motorsport, from numerous nations across the globe. This will see the likes of Aaro Vainio, Conor Daly and Tio Ellinas up against Series rookies Daniil Kvyat and Carlos Sainz jr., all of whom are more than capable of securing race victories and even the overall Championship.
After several seasons known as Lotus GP, French outfit ART Grand Prix has reverted back to their original name for the new season across all of the categories they compete in. This has also seen a switch in their colors from the unmistakable black and gold of Lotus to their original of white. Their driver line-up for the new season is a strong combination of experience and youth, consisting of returning American ace Conor Daly, Argentinean debutant Facu Regalia and reigning British Formula Three Champion Jack Harvey. This trio all know how to secure victories, and could well find themselves battling for Championship supremacy later in the year.
Conor Daly will return this season in GP3 with ART Grand Prix.
Despite securing the Drivers’ Championship with Mitch Evans last season, MW Arden once again failed to thwart ART Grand Prix in the Constructors’ Championship. However, this season the Banbury-based outfit has a real chance of once again taking the fight to ART Grand Prix with the youngest driver pairing on the grid. Returning GP3 driver Robert Visoiu will be joined by Red Bull Junior Team members Carlos Sainz jr. and Daniil Kvyat, creating a trio who will certainly threaten ART’s dominance.
Last season Carlos Sainz jr. competed in a variety of Formula 3 categories, including the FIA Formula Three EuroSeries and the British Formula Three Series for Carlin. After impressing greatly during testing in the GP3 Series, Russian sensation Daniil Kvyat enters the category as a potential Championship candidate alongside Carlos Sainz jr. and Robert Visoiu. The 19-year-old is the reigning Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS Champion for Koiranen Motorsport, and also finished a strong runner-up in the Formula Renault 2.0 Euro Championship for the same outfit.
British outfit Carlin is also sporting a strong line-up for the new season, despite a line-up consisting of three debutants in the category. Luis Sa Silva enters GP3 fresh from endeavors in numerous Formula 3 categories including the FIA Formula 3 EuroSeries and the British Formula Three Series with the Angola Racing Team. The 22-year-old Angolan will be joined by British rising star Nick Yelloly, who is a member of the BRDC Rising Stars and the MSA Team UK Elite Drivers. The 22-year-old has recently competed in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series for Comtec Racing, securing two victories and a further four podiums along the way.
The youngest driver within the Carlin outfit this season is Argentinean debutant Eric Lichtenstein, who makes the switch to the GP3 Series fellowing a successful season in the Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain. The 18-year-old from Buenos Aires finished 3rd in the Championship for Jamun Racing after securing 11 race victories at legendary circuits such as Brands Hatch, Nurburgring and Silverstone.
Samin Gomez is one of only two female drivers in GP3 this season.
Jenzer Motorsport sports a line-up consisting of one of only two female drivers on the grid for the new season, with Venezuelan driver Samin Gomez joining the Swiss duo of Patric Niederhauser and Alex Fontana. Gomez has previously tested in the GP3 Series for Jenzer Motorsport, and enters the Series after a strong display of driving last season in the Formula Abarth Euro Series and Formula Abarth Series with the Swiss outfit.
After securing two race victories last season, Patric Niederhauser will unquestionably be striving to add to his tally in his second full season in the GP3 Series with Jenzer Motorsport. The 21-year-old Swiss driver has already competed in the European Le Mans Series this year with Race Performance, securing a podium finish at Silverstone alongside fellow countryman Michel Frey. Niederhauser and Gomez will be joined at Jenzer Motorsport by Alex Fontana, who has previously competed in six GP3 races for the Swiss outfit. The 20-year-old, who is a member of the Lotus F1 Junior Team, also competed in the FIA Formula 2 Series last year and secured one race victory on his way to 7th in the Championship.
Tio Ellinas is already a Championship favourite heading into the new season.
Marussia-backed Manor Racing could well be the dark horse when the new season gets underway, with Cypriot Tio Ellinas unquestionably a man fully capable of mounting a Championship challenge at the front. The 21-year-old took victory during the final race of last season at Monza, and will be out to immediately begin adding to his tally when the Series reconvenes at Barcelona. The Cypriot will be joined by British debutants Ryan Cullen and Dino Zamparelli, the latter a member of the BRDC Rising Stars.
Irish team Status Grand Prix also features a strong line-up ahead of the new season, featuring reigning German Formula Three Champion Jimmy Eriksson. The 22-year-old Swedish ace will be making his debut in the Series, as will his team-mates of Adderly Fong and Josh Webster. Adderly Fong has already competed in various categories on his way to the GP3 Series, including the Auto GP and Firestone Indy Lights Series. Josh Webster is another member of the BRDC Rising Stars and MSA Team UK Elite Drivers, and is the youngest of the three Status Grand Prix drivers.
For the new season, Atech CRS Grand Prix has been rebranded as Bamboo Engineering, an outfit better known for its involvement in the World Touring Car Championship. The Silverstone-based outfit enters the Series with an exciting trio of drivers, including British returnee and former race winner Lewis Williamson. The 23-year-old is a former member of the Red Bull Junior Team, and has previously competed for MW Arden in the Series. He will be joined by fellow countryman Melville McKee and Carmen Jorda who is preparing to compete in her second full season in the Series.
For 2013 Atech CRS Grand Prix has been rebranded as Bamboo Engineering.
Melville McKee enters the GP3 Series fresh from a season in the Formula Renault 2.0 Euro Series with Interwetten.com Racing, which saw the Singapore-born driver secure one podium at the Nurburgring. Carmen Jordan endured a frustrating season last year with Ocean Racing Technology, which included numerous retirements. However, the Spanish driver will be aiming to raise her game this season with the rebranded Silverstone-based outfit.
Trident Racing boasts a highly experienced trio of drivers for the new season, with Italian drivers Giovanni Venturini and David Fumanelli joined by Sammarinese debutant Emanuele Zonzini. After a relatively competitive season last year with the Italian outfit, Venturini will be looking for his maiden victory in 2013 as will fellow countryman David Fumanelli. Despite racing for Championship contenders MW Arden last season, Fumanelli could only manage one podium finish at the European Grand Prix around the Valencia Street Circuit.
Both Giovanni Venturini and David Fumanelli will be joined at Trident Racing by 19-year-old debutant Emanuele Zonzini, who enters the GP3 Series after a season in the Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS, Formula Abarth Euro and Formula Abarth Series. The Sammarinese driver previously tested for both Lotus GP (now ART Grand Prix) and Trident Racing during the winter period, eventually being confirmed for the latter in January.
Koiranen GP is a new Finnish outfit in GP3 this season.
The final team on the 2013 grid is newcomers Koiranen GP, a Finnish outfit based in Barcelona. Prior to their involvement in the GP3 Series, the outfit competed in many other junior Formula’s including the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS Series. Headed by Marko Koiranen and formed back in 1997, Koiranen GP features an intriguing mixture of new and experienced talent for the new season. Former race winner Aaro Vainio is joined by fellow countryman Patrick Kujala and Estonian driver Kevin Korjus.
After a highly competitive season with Lotus GP last year which included one race victory and four podium finishes, 19-year-old Aaro Vainio will be looking to lead the new team in their debut season in the category. This will be the Finn’s third full season in the Series, making him one of the most experienced drivers on the grid. It is from one end of the experience spectrum to the other with Vainio’s fellow countryman Patrick Kujala, who at only 16 years of age enters the GP3 Series after competing in the Formula Renault 2.0 Euro and ALPS Series with Koiranen GP last season.
The Finnish duo of Aaro Vainio and Patrick Kujala will be joined by 20-year-old Estonian ace Kevin Korjus, who completes the switch from the Formula Renault 3.5 category after two seasons with Tech 1 Racing which included three victories and five podiums. Back in 2010, Kevin Korjus won the Formula Renault 2.0 Euro Championship with Koiranen GP and will unquestionably be striving to rekindle his competitive partnership with the outfit this season.
It’s undeniable that the GP3 Series has an extremely competitive grid for the fourth year of competition, which is expected to once again produce some sensational driving in the new GP3/13 machine. Along with the exciting 28-car grid, the category will also host it’s first standalone event and first non-European event this season. The former will be around the Valencia’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo, a popular testing venue for the world of Formula 1, GP2 and GP3. The first non-European race weekend for the GP3 Series will also host what will surely be a classic season finale, with a race around the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
The 2013 GP3 Series has all of the ingredients to be an absolute classic, with a new car, many new and returning drivers and a mouth-watering calendar which should provide for some of the most entertaining racing of the year. Already Formula 1 has two former GP3 drivers on the grid in the form of Valtteri Bottas and Esteban Gutierrez, and expect future Champions to be discovered as this season prepares to begin.
Picture(s) Copyright © Daniel Kalisz, Malcolm Griffiths & Alastair Staley/GP3 Series Media Service
Patric Niederhauser Ends GP3 Barcelona Test Fastest
Patric Niederhauser ended the final day of the GP3 Barcelona test fastest overall for Jenzer Motorsport, in yet another day which was plagued by inclement weather conditions around the Circuit de Catalunya. Aaro Vainio was fastest during the treacherously wet afternoon period, as the drivers struggled to stay on track.
Despite the threat of rain throughout the final day of track action at Barcelona, the session began in dry weather conditions. This resulted in many drivers immediately opting to take to the Spanish circuit, understandably eager to make the most of the dry track conditions before the forecast rain eventually struck the circuit. Patric Niederhauser set the pace in what turned out to be a Jenzer Motorsport one-two at the top, with fellow countryman Alex Fontana a close 2nd.
The forecast rain eventually fell as the morning session progressed, resulting in several red flag delays as drivers were caught out in the increasingly treacherous track conditions. Nick Cassidy clipped the barrier in his Marussia Manor Racing machine, whereas Carmen Jorda and Emanuele Zonzini spun off the track. Largely due to the weather conditions, Patric Niederhauser’s time at the top remained unchallenged, a time which was an impressive 4.2 seconds faster than the best GP3 lap set at Barcelona last season.
Aaro Vainio was fastest during the wet afternoon period.
During the two hour lunch break the rain continued to hammer down upon the Circuit de Catalunya, providing the drivers with utterly treacherous weather conditions when the track action was resumed for the afternoon period. As the drivers struggled to remain on the track in the wet, numerous red flag delays were caused as the likes of Josh Webster, Facu Regalia, Samin Gomez, Emanuele Zonzini, Melville McKee and Conor Daly all spun in the wet.
As the afternoon session progressed, America’s Conor Daly reigned supreme at the top for ART Grand Prix. Carlos Sainz jr. prematurely ended his session after he slammed into the retaining tyre barrier at Turn 3, causing significant damage to his MW Arden machine. With only several minutes remaining in the session, Aaro Vainio stormed to the top of the timing sheets for Koiranen GP, with Jack Harvey a distant 2nd for ART Grand Prix. The Briton later suffered a minor off, which subsequently ended the day under red flag conditions.
The final GP3 winter test will take place later next month around Silverstone, as the GP3 drivers finalize their preparations ahead of the new season which gets underway in May in support of the Spanish Grand Prix.
Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Patric Niederhauser Jenzer 1m33.75s 19 2. Alex Fontana Jenzer 1m34.18s + 0.426s 24 3. Tio Ellinas Manor 1m34.21s + 0.459s 27 4. Nick Cassidy Manor 1m34.22s + 0.469s 23 5. Giovanni Venturini Trident 1m34.41s + 0.661s 21 6. Daniil Kvyat MW Arden 1m34.44s + 0.691s 32 7. Jack Harvey ART 1m34.49s + 0.741s 19 8. Facu Regalia ART 1m34.52s + 0.769s 29 9. Dino Zamparelli Manor 1m34.52s + 0.770s 30 10. Conor Daly ART 1m34.58s + 0.826s 29 11. Carlos Sainz Jnr MW Arden 1m34.60s + 0.851s 27 12. Nick Yelloly Carlin 1m34.67s + 0.918s 25 13. David Fumanelli MW Arden 1m34.72s + 0.970s 21 14. Kevin Korjus Koiranen 1m34.74s + 0.987s 17 15. Jimmy Eriksson Status 1m34.74s + 0.988s 16 16. Robert Visoiu MW Arden 1m34.74s + 0.988s 25 17. Patrick Kujala Koiranen 1m34.84s + 1.094s 20 18. Emanuele Zonzini Trident 1m34.98s + 1.226s 19 19. Adderly Fong Status 1m35.16s + 1.409s 13 20. Aaro Vainio Koiranen 1m35.33s + 1.578s 15 21. Luis Sa Silva Carlin 1m35.45s + 1.697s 27 22. Josh Webster Carlin 1m35.63s + 1.879s 16 23. Samin Gomez Jenzer 1m36.07s + 2.322s 18 24. Eric Lichtenstein Carlin 1m36.21s + 2.459s 28 25. Melville McKee Bamboo 1m36.34s + 2.586s 27 26. Ryan Cullen Bamboo 1m37.13s + 3.378s 22 27. Carmen Jorda Bamboo 1m38.38s + 4.628s 21
Picture(s) Copyright © Malcolm Griffiths/GP3 Series Media Service
2012 GP3 Series Season Review: Part 2
After the first two rounds of the 2012 GP3 Series season, it was almost a month until the teams and drivers reconvened for the third round of the Championship at the Valencia Street Circuit in support of the European Grand Prix. Aaro Vainio was in the lead of the Championship with 54 points, with Mitch Evans a close 2nd with 43 points.
As ever the weekend began with a practice session on the Friday, which Championship leader Aaro Vainio topped with a 02:00.094 for Lotus. The Finn was followed by team-mate Conor Daly, with the Marussia Manor Racing of Tio Ellinas a close 3rd. However, Mitch Evans was able to storm to a superlative pole the following morning, as the Kiwi asserted his authority over the proceedings. He was joined on the front-row of the grid by team-mate David Fumanelli, with the second row consisting of Championship contender Aaro Vainio and Ocean Racing Technology driver Kevin Ceccon.
Mitch Evans stormed to a dominant victory during race one at Valencia.
The opening race of the weekend later in the afternoon saw Mitch Evans carry out a extremely mature and dominant drive at the front, as the Kiwi stormed to a lights-to-flag victory from the Lotus of Aaro Vainio and the MW Arden of David Fumanelli. As usual there was utter confusion further back during the opening laps, as Marlon Stockinger lost his rear-wing whilst Robert Visoiu, Fabiano Machado and Antonio Spavone were forced into retirement.
Despite loosing his rear-wing on the opening lap, Marlon Stockinger was able to return to the pits to allow his mechanics to fit a rear-wing to his car. This saw the Pilipino driver drop a lap behind the leaders, however he was able to continue racing albeit at the back of the pack. Lap 2 saw another big incident between the Carlin of Antonio Felix da Costa and the Marussia Manor Racing of Dmitry Suranovich, as the former slammed into the side of the Russian driver. This incident ended both of their races, but amazingly did not force the safety car to be deployed.
This victory for Mitch Evans saw the Kiwi retake the lead in the Drivers’ Championship, with only a two point advantage over Aaro Vainio who remained a close 2nd for Lotus. Marlon Stockinger remained in a distant 3rd position in the Championship, with fellow MW Arden driver David Fumanelli 4th with 35 points scored.
An ecstatic Patric Niederhauser celebrates after taking his maiden GP3 victory at Valencia!
After finishing the opening race of the weekend in 8th, Patric Niederhauser would start the second race from the reverse grid pole alongside the Ocean Racing Technology of Kevin Ceccon. The Swiss driver capitalized greatly on his starting position, and took his maiden GP3 victory during the 14-lap race the following morning.
The 21-year-old was followed home by the Lotus of Daniel Abt, who initially started the race from 3rd. Matias Laine eventually finished the race in 3rd, after starting from 4th on the grid. Tio Ellinas initially finished 3rd, however the Cypriot was issued with a penalty after forcing Kevin Ceccon off the track throughout the closing stages of the race.
Just like race one, several collisions ensued further back throughout the opening lap of the race. This included an incident between the Lotus of Conor Daly and the Atech CRS GP of John Wartique, as both were forced into retirement. Alice Powell also retired on the opening lap, as she endured yet another tough weekend in the series.
Ethan Ringel retired several laps into the race, after a collision with fellow series rookie Fabiano Machado, who was issued with a penalty for causing the incident. Carmen Jorda also retired in the latter stages of the race, leaving Trident’s Vicky Piria as the only female driver to finish the race.
Although Mitch Evans could only managed 6th position after starting the race from 8th, the Kiwi still retained the lead in the Drivers’ Championship from Aaro Vainio as the GP3 fraternity prepared for the fourth round of the season at the legendary Silverstone circuit in support of the British Grand Prix.
Facu Regalia was one of two new drivers competing in the GP3 Series at Silverstone.
Ahead of the British Grand Prix weekend, there were several driver changes throughout the paddock as Fabio Gamberini replaced John Wartique at Atech CRS Grand Prix and Facu Regalia replaced Jakub Klasterka at Jenzer Motorsport. The British Grand Prix weekend was one plagued with extremely inclement weather conditions, as heavy rain struck the circuit on numerous occasions throughout the weekend.
Antonio Felix da Costa was fastest during a wet practice on the Friday, as the GP3 teams and drivers carried out their preparations for the weekend ahead. Hungarian driver Tamas Pal Kiss was 2nd, with Championship leader Mitch Evans 3rd. However, once the practice session had come to a conclusion, both Tamas Pal Kiss and Ethan Ringel were struck with grid penalties for race one after various yellow flag infringements.
Despite the wet practice session on the Friday, the GP3 fraternity was met with surprisingly dry but overcast weather conditions for the all-important qualifying session early Saturday morning. However, the track was not 100% dry, with several notoriously damp patches remaining on the track, which caught out several drivers throughout the session. Mitch Evans stormed to his second pole of the season for race one, and would start the race alongside fellow Championship contender Aaro Vainio.
Antonio Felix da Costa celebrates victory at Silverstone with Mitch Evans.
The opening race of the weekend was also run in dry conditions, despite the treacherous weather conditions witnessed the previous day. Despite qualifying on pole, Mitch Evans was unable to translate his superlative qualifying performance into a race victory, as the Carlin of Antonio Felix da Costa stormed to a commanding victory ahead of the Kiwi. Aaro Vainio was able to finish a distant 3rd, however the Finn still remained behind Evans in the Drivers’ Championship.
In stark contrast to the usual incident-filled races witnessed throughout the opening three rounds of the year, the first race of the British Grand Prix weekend featured only two retirements as William Buller retired on the opening lap after a collision. Ethan Ringel followed the Briton into retirement several laps later, with the American’s car almost catching fire in the process. After retiring on the opening lap of race one, local driver William Buller would therefore start the second race on Sunday morning from last on the grid.
William Buller pulled off an unforgettable drive to win after starting last at Silverstone!
However, this minor fact did not deter William Buller from storming to an absolutely unforgettable victory during the second race, despite starting from plum last during a wet/dry 14-lap race. Only moments before the start of the race, rain began to fall upon the Silverstone circuit, presenting the drivers with a conundrum as to which tyre they should start the race on. Several drivers opted for the safer option of starting on the wet tyres, whereas others decided to stick with the slick tyres.
As the lights went out it quickly became clear that the drivers who started the race on the wet tyres were visibly faster, as Tio Ellinas and Antonio Felix da Costa rose to 1st and 2nd position in the opening laps. However, as the race wore on, the rain began to subside thus allowing the drivers on the dry tyres to rise back through the order. As the race entered the halfway mark, Patric Niederhauser began to challenge Tio Ellinas for the lead after overtaking Antonio Felix da Costa for 2nd. William Buller was already in 6th position, and was clearly the fastest driver on the track.
By Lap 10, William Buller had scythed through the order like a hot knife through butter into lead ahead of Patric Niederhauser and Robert Visoiu. Whilst one local driver wowed the Silverstone faithful at the front of the pack, another in Alice Powell endured yet another frustrating race as she beached her Status Grand Prix machine into the gravel and into retirement.
In the closing stages of the race, Aaro Vainio, Marlon Stockinger and Daniel Abt joined Alice Powell in retirement. Daniel Abt spun out of the race, whereas his team-mate Aaro Vainio collided with fellow countryman Matias Laine. Although Laine was able to make it to the end of the race, albeit a lap down, Aaro Vainio was forced into a disastrous retirement.
Whilst the race drew to an incident-filled conclusion, William Buller stormed across the line to take an absolutely mesmerizing victory after starting last. The Briton was followed home by the Lotus of Conor Daly, with Patric Niederhauser a very competitive 3rd. After an entertaining race weekend, Mitch Evans retained his lead in the Drivers’ Championship with 100 points scored, ahead of Aaro Vainio (89 points) and Antonio Felix da Costa (58 points).
Part 3 to follow…
Picture(s) Copyright © Daniel Kalisz/Andrew Ferraro/GP3 Series Media Service
2012 GP3 Series Season Review: Part 1
After the first two season’s of GP3 racing, the Series had already become renowned for its unpredictability, excitement and pure entertainment. The 2012 season was expected to be yet another thrilling edition of GP3 action, as the stars of tomorrow began their journey up the motor sport ladder.
As pre-season testing got underway in preparation for the new season, the Championship contenders’ were already rising to the top. With the likes of Mitch Evans, Antonio Felix da Costa and Aaro Vainio visibly quick in testing, it was obvious the 2012 Championship was set to be a hard fought battle at the top. With the Series welcoming three female drivers for the first time in its history [Vicky Piria, Carmen Jorda and Alice Powell], the new season had all the ingredients to be highly competitive throughout the field.
Nico Muller was fastest once pre-season testing began, but instead raced in the World Series by Renault throughout 2012.
Pre-season testing got underway back in February at the Autodromo do Estoril in Portugal, as Ocean Racing Technology announced plans to enter the Series after successfully competing in the GP2 Series since its inception in 2005. Nico Muller topped the timing sheets after the opening day, however the Swiss driver incidentally failed to find a full-time drive in the Series. The 20-year-old instead drove for International Draco Racing in the World Series by Renault, regardless of the fact Muller enjoyed two highly competitive seasons in GP3 beforehand. Aaro Vainio was fastest on day two, as the paddock moved on to Barcelona for the second pre-season test.
Championship favorites Mitch Evans and Antonio Felix da Costa topped the timing sheets respectively during testing around Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya in Spain. Pre-season testing was brought to a conclusion the following month, after a further two-day test at Silverstone. Female driver Alice Powell made her debut racing GP3 machinery at the test, which Mitch Evans once again ended fastest as the paddock prepared for the season opener at Spain.
In traditional GP3 fashion, the opening round of the new season was a support race for the first round of the Formula 1 European season at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya in Spain. Matias Laine was fastest in practice for MW Arden, however it was the Carlin of Antonio Felix da Costa who took the first pole of the season. The opening feature race of the season began with fireworks on track, as Daniel Abt, Antonio Felix da Costa and Antonio Spavone jumped the start whereas rookies Alice Powell and Ethan Ringel collided at the back of the pack. The safety car was eventually brought out after Kevin Ceccon spun for Ocean Racing Technology, as Abt, da Costa and Spavone served their penalties.
This left Mitch Evans to take the lead, and eventually the first race win of the season. The Status Grand Prix of Marlon Stockinger finished the race 2nd, with Aaro Vainio 3rd for Lotus. This victory enabled Mitch Evans to take the lead in the Drivers’ Championship.
The following morning’s sprint race saw Series rookie Robert Visoiu start from the reverse grid pole, after finishing the feature race in 8th. Tio Ellinas jumped the start for Marussia Manor Racing, as carnage ensued further back through turn 4 as Tamas Pal Kiss and William Buller made contact, collecting the unsuspecting Dmitry Suranovich, Antonio Spavone and Robert Cregan. Amazingly, the safety car was not called upon, and the race continued under green flag conditions.
Conor Daly took his first ever GP3 victory during the sprint race at Spain.
Feature race winner, Mitch Evans, suffered a highly uncompetitive sprint race for MW Arden. After starting the race from 8th, the Kiwi picked up a puncture in the early stages of the race and subsequently finished a lowly 20th. Once Tio Ellinas served his drive-thru penalty for jumping the start, Series rookie Conor Daly took his maiden victory for Lotus, just over three seconds ahead of fellow Series rookie Robert Visoiu. The MW Arden of Matias Laine finished 3rd, whilst Alice Powell was able to finish 11th in only her second race in the Series after starting 26th and last.
The second round of the Championship took place around the Streets of Monte-Carlo for the first time in the history of the Series, in support of the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix. Mitch Evans was fastest in practice, which ran relatively incident free apart from a spin by William Buller towards the end of the session. Just like GP2, the qualifying format for the Monaco event was split into a slightly complicated two group format, which consisted of a Group A [consisting of even numbered cars], and a Group B [consisting of the odd numbered cars].
The fastest overall driver from the two groups would start the feature race on pole, with the fastest driver from the other group starting from 2nd on the grid. The remaining drivers would start behind the fastest driver from their respective group. The Lotus of Aaro Vainio secured pole position, after setting the overall fastest time in Group B, whereas Kevin Ceccon qualified 2nd after setting the fastest time in Group A.
Aaro Vainio took his first victory of the season around the streets of Monte-Carlo.
At the start of the feature race, previous race winner Conor Daly began proceedings in an embarrassing style as he jumped the start only moments before then stalling his car. This dropped him through the order, however he was eventually able to continue racing as team-mate Aaro Vainio led at the front. Ethan Ringel tapped the barrier on the eighth lap, and became one of the first retirements of the race. Patric Niederhauser also retired several laps later due to suspension issues, however the race remained under green flag conditions with the Monaco marshals once again excelling at clearing the stricken vehicles.
After the earlier incidents, Aaro Vainio stormed to his first career GP3 victory, just under two seconds ahead of the Atech CRS Grand Prix car of Tamas Pal Kiss. Kevin Ceccon was able to finish a distant 3rd, after initially starting the race from the front row of the grid. Marlon Stockinger finished the race in 8th, which in turn would see him start the sprint race the following day from the reverse grid pole alongside the Carlin of Antonio Felix da Costa.
The sprint race turned out to be a shortened affair, with various incidents plaguing the running of what turned out to be only a 13 lap race.The race started with a huge incident between the Carlin team-mates of William Buller and Alex Brundle, with the former being tipped upside down and into the armco-barriers. This naturally saw the safety car deployed, as the ever-efficient Monaco marshals began to clear Buller’s machine. Luckily Buller was uninjured in the incident, which also saw Alex Brundle subsequently retire.
Marlon Stockinger took his maiden victory in the shortened sprint race at Monaco.
Once the safety car had returned to the pits, Marlon Stockinger led away at the front as Conor Daly became locked in a grueling fight for 11th position with the Marussia Manor Racing of Dmitry Suranovich. This led to light contact between the two, which saw Suranovich loose his rear-wing. However, the Russian driver continued to circulate out on track, despite his lack of rear-wing with Conor Daly still swarming around the rear of his car.
As the race progressed, disaster struck as Conor Daly tried desperately to overtake Dmitry Suranovich on the exit of the tunnel. This saw Daly fly over the back of Suranovich’s car, and slam into the retaining catch-fencing which lined the circuit. Daly was miraculously uninjured in this utterly terrifying incident, which initially brought out the safety car before eventually prematurely ending the race with a red flag.
This saw Marlon Stockinger take his first ever victory in GP3, ahead of the sole remaining Carlin of Antonio Felix da Costa with Daniel Abt in 3rd. As the GP3 Series prepared to head to the Valencia Street Circuit for the third round of the Championship, Aaro Vainio held an 11 point advantage over Mitch Evans at the front of the Drivers’ Championship, with Marlon Stockinger 3rd.
Picture(s) Copyright © Daniel Kalisz/Glenn Dunbar/GP3 Series Media Service
Daniel Abt Wins Frenetic GP3 Race At Monza
Daniel Abt has taken an highly important victory at Monza in the penultimate race of the final GP3 weekend, in which Championship leader Mitch Evans retired on the opening lap after a series a errors. Antonio Felix da Costa momentarily led the race, before suffering a gearbox issue. Ellinas came home 2nd, with Laine in 3rd.
In similar fashion to the GP2 race beforehand, the pack safely negotiated the opening chicane without any major incident. Both Mitch Evans and Antonio Felix da Costa ran wide at turn 1, taking drastic avoiding action as the likes of Fumanelli, Ellinas and Laine jostled for position. Mitch Evans, who had an opportunity to take the Drivers’ Championship, ran exceedingly wide at turn 7. This ultimately led to the Kiwi returning to the pits after the opening lap, and eventually retiring and throwing the Championship wide open.
With Mitch Evans out of the race, Antonio Felix da Costa wasted no time in reaping the rewards and storming into the lead, the Drivers’ Championship now a very realistic target for the Portuguese driver. Fabiano Machado became the first retirement after the opening lap, as Daniel Abt began to scythe through the field in hot pursuit of Antonio Felix da Costa.
By lap 4, and Daniel Abt had caught race leader Antonio Felix da Costa. With the German driver also a Championship contender, he immediately passed the Carlin driver as he too pursued Championship glory, especially with Mitch Evans disconsolately sat in the pits and out of the race. David Fumanelli straight lined turns 4 and 5 as the race progressed, whilst Conor Daly ran wide at turn 7 and skipped through the punishing gravel trap. Antonio Felix da Costa was passed by Aaro Vainio as the leaders negotiated turn 11, as the Portuguese driver was seen bumping the rear of Vainio’s car as they sped down the start/finish straight.
The Championship then took yet another fascinating twist, as Antonio Felix da Costa was seen cruising around stuck in gear. The Portuguese driver was able to continue racing, albeit further down the order, after he carried out a cunning tactic in turning the engine on and then off to fix his gearbox issue and continue to race. These turn of events had taken Antonio Felix da Costa out of the Championship hunt, leaving the Lotus duo of Daniel Abt and Aaro Vainio the remaining drivers battling at the sharp end of the pack for Championship supremacy.
Alex Brundle was then issued a black flag for failing to pit, with the Briton amazingly still circulating without a rear wing. The Carlin driver had previously been issued a black and orange flag, but Brundle seemingly ignored these warnings and continued racing. As the race entered the closing stages, Daniel Abt and Aaro Vainio became locked in a grueling battle for the lead, however the Cypriot of Tio Ellinas wasn’t far behind and overtook the Finn for the 2nd place.
On the last lap of the race, with Tio Ellinas striving to find a way around the Lotus of Daniel Abt, Dmitry Suranovich spun at turn 11 and became the fourth retirement of the race. This meant yellow flags were fluttering at the final corner, forcing the leaders to back off on the final lap. This enabled Daniel Abt to take victory ahead of Tio Ellinas, however Aaro Vainio was issued a post-race 20-second timed penalty for ignoring yellow flags throughout the final corner. This demoted the Finn down the order and out of the points, thus promoting fellow countryman Matias Laine to 3rd.
This fascinating race means that only Mitch Evans and Daniel Abt can be crowned Champion during tomorrow morning’s final race. Mitch Evans will be starting 25th and last, whereas Daniel Abt will be starting from 8th due to the reverse grid ruling. The final race of the season will unquestionably be one of the entertaining of the year, as the fight for the Championship comes down to the wire around the historic Autodromo Nazionale di Monza.
Picture Copyright © Daniel Kalisz/GP3 Series Media Service
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
First Blood To Mitch Evans In GP3 Practice At Monza
The Kiwi of Mitch Evans took first blood at this weekend’s GP3 finale, as the MW Arden driver ended this morning’s practice session fastest in preparation for this weekend’s two final races of the season. The MW Arden driver was followed home in 2nd by team-mate Matias Laine, with Championship contender Aaro Vainio a close 3rd for Lotus.
The session got underway in glorious sunshine earlier this morning at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, with Dmitry Suranovich and Fabiano Machado the first two drivers to take to the track as proceedings got underway. Kevin Ceccon became the first local driver to take to the track, as the Cypriot of Tio Ellinas stopped on the circuit after only two laps at turn 2.
Alex Brundle set the initial pace for Carlin, and at one stage was followed closely by his two team-mates of Antonio Felix da Costa and William Buller, thus momentarily creating a Carlin 1-2-3. However, the Hungarian driver of Tamas Pal Kiss ended Carlin’s reign at the top, before he and Fabiano Machado collided through turn 11. This prematurely ended both of their sessions, the two coming to rest in the gravel trap.
The dominant Kiwi of Mitch Evans then reasserted his authority over proceedings, becoming the first driver to break into the 01:44s and setting himself up perfectly for the remainder of the weekend. Fellow Championship contender Aaro Vainio ended the Kiwi’s reign as the session entered its closing stages, however Mitch Evans clinched the top spot in the final minute with a 01:44.477.
The GP3 cars will return to the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza early tomorrow morning for qualifying, which will determine the grid for the final feature race of the season later in the afternoon. Both Mitch Evans and Aaro Vainio will undoubtedly be striving to achieve Championship glory, but only one will succeed.
Pos Driver Team Time Gap 1. Mitch Evans MW Arden 1m44.477s 2. Matias Laine MW Arden 1m44.520s + 0.043s 3. Aaro Vainio Lotus 1m44.621s + 0.144s 4. David Fumanelli MW Arden 1m44.750s + 0.273s 5. Daniel Abt Lotus 1m44.989s + 0.512s 6. Dmitry Suranovich Manor 1m45.098s + 0.621s 7. Tamas Pal Kiss Atech CRS 1m45.163s + 0.686s 8. Giovanni Venturini Trident 1m45.445s + 0.968s 9. Will Buller Carlin 1m45.475s + 0.998s 10. Robert Visoiu Jenzer 1m45.555s + 1.078s 11. Conor Daly Lotus 1m45.654s + 1.177s 12. Alice Powell Status 1m45.657s + 1.180s 13. Patric Niederhauser Jenzer 1m45.684s + 1.207s 14. Marlon Stockinger Status 1m45.695s + 1.218s 15. Antonio Felix da Costa Carlin 1m45.778s + 1.301s 16. Kevin Ceccon Ocean 1m45.825s + 1.348s 17. Lewis Williamson Status 1m46.026s + 1.549s 18. Alex Brundle Carlin 1m46.445s + 1.968s 19. Ethan Ringel Atech CRS 1m46.472s + 1.995s 20. Fabiano Machado Manor 1m46.940s + 2.463s 21. Vicky Piria Trident 1m46.962s + 2.485s 22. John Wartique Atech CRS 1m46.963s + 2.486s 23. Carmen Jorda Ocean 1m48.610s + 4.133s 24. Robert Cregan Ocean 1m51.803s + 7.326s 25. Tio Ellinas Manor 1m55.083s + 10.606
Picture Copyright © Daniel Kalisz/GP3 Series Media Service
New Generation GP3 Car Unveiled In Monza
The new generation GP3/13 car has been unveiled to the media at Monza, ahead of this weekends season finale around the legendary Italian circuit. Inaugural Series Champion Esteban Gutierrez was joined by GP3’s Technical Director Didier Perrin, as they revealed the new car which will be used from next season onwards.
The new car features a whole host of new upgrades, including a new naturally aspirated 400hp engine in comparison to the current 280hp engine. Due to this leap in power, it is expected the car will be around three seconds faster than the current generation car. The GP3/13 also features a new nose, side pods and engine cover. These upgrades combined are expected to close the gap between GP3 and GP2, and therefore offer up-and-coming drivers with a more reasonablestep further up the motor sport ladder.
Esteban Gutierrez and Didier Perrin unveil the new generation GP3/13 car.
“I am very proud of this new generation car.” Explained GP3 Series CEO, Bruno Michel. “Our main objective was to make sure that GP3 remains the best way to prepare young drivers for the next steps, GP2 and F1, which is why we designed a more powerful and more selective car that – among other things reduces, the gap between GP3 and GP2. The teams will not have to buy a new car. We will provide them with a development kit. It was quite a challenge seeing how the aerodynamics and the engine are different. And speaking of the engine, we go from 280 to 400hp for the same price. Now, it all boils down to selecting the nine teams for the next three seasons with at least two cars per team, three maximum so we will have a top figure of twenty-seven cars on the grid. We will announce the teams entry list soon. We will keep a calendar of eight race events in 2013. Racing on the same European F1 tracks and on a car that will prepare them best for GP2 before, hopefully, going further. More than ever before, GP3 is the best logical stepping stone for drivers whose ambition is to move to F1.”
This weekend sees the 2012 GP3 Series season come to a conclusion, as Mitch Evans, Aaro Vainio and Antonio Felix da Costa battle for the Championship title. Former Champions Esteban Gutierrez and Valtteri Bottas have both progressed up the ladder, now respectively racing in GP2 and Formula 1 as a reserve driver. The prize for the eventual Champion is mouthwatering, and will make this weekend’s final two races unmissable as the stars of the future are pitched against each other for GP3 supremacy.
Picture(s) Copyright © Daniel Kalisz/GP3 Series Media Service
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