Dean Stoneman dominates day one of post-season GP3 test
Dean Stoneman has powered his way to the top of the timing sheets after the opening day of the GP3 post-season test around Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit, only several days after impressing many during the season finale for Koiranen GP. The Briton was followed by rookies’ Pierre Gasly and Oliver Rowland at the sharp-end of the order.
As the Formula 1 fraternity takes a break before reconvening around Austin’s Circuit of the Americas for the first of the final two races of the season, both the GP2 and GP3 Series have remained at Abu Dhabi to carry out their post-season tests around the glorious Yas Marina Circuit. At the start of the morning session British rookie Jan Mardenborough became the first driver to take to the track for Carlin, before Adderly Fong produced the initial benchmark for Koiranen GP.
The first of two red flag delays occurred when GP3 regular David Fumanelli made light contact with the barrier at Turn 8, causing damage to his Jenzer Motorsport machine. As soon as the track action was resumed, the times naturally began to tumble as more drivers began taking to the track. After a highly impressive return to single-seater racing last weekend, British ace Dean Stoneman was quick to rise to the top for Koiranen GP with a time well within the 01:56s ahead of Dino Zamparelli in the MW Arden and Alex Fontana in the ART Grand Prix.
Sam Bird completed a combined 43 laps of development work for Russian Time’s new GP3 team.
After ending the GP2 Series as runner-up to Switzerland’s Fabio Leimer, Sam Bird was behind the wheel of the GP3/13 machine for the opening day of the post-season test. The Briton was carrying out development work for rookies Russian Time, who were gaining their first day of track action in the GP3 Series after purchasing Bamboo Engineering. Sam Bird was instantly on the pace, producing consistent lap times towards the sharp-end of the order in stark contrast to his rookie team-mate of Kuba Dalewski.
The morning session drew to a conclusion with Dean Stoneman in control at the top of the timing sheets with a 01:56.278 after completing 18 laps for Koiranen GP. The 23-year-old ended the session ahead of GP3 regulars Patric Niederhauser for Jenzer Motorsport and Dino Zamparelli for MW Arden, with Sam Bird a close 4th for Russian Time. Former British Formula Three driver Jan Mardenborough was the fastest rookie for Carlin in 6th, only sixth tenths off of the pace set by Dean Stoneman.
After making way for the GP2 Series to take to the Yas Marina Circuit, the 27-car field returned to the circuit for the afternoon session. A red flag delay ensued almost immediately, after the Jenzer Motorsport of Kevin Joerg ground to a halt out on track. Once the Abu Dhabi marshals had cleared the stricken machine, the session was resumed allowing rookie Pierre Gasly to storm to the top of the timing sheets for ART Grand Prix, in doing so becoming the first driver of the day to produce a lap time within the 01:55s.
The reigning Formula Renault 2.0 European Champion remained at the top of the order for a whole hour, before fellow rookie Oliver Rowland displaced the Frenchman for Marussia Manor Racing. As the opening day of the post-season test drew to a conclusion, Dean Stoneman reasserted his authority over proceedings for Koiranen GP, producing a 01:55.829 which would remain unchallenged. Behind the Briton Pierre Gasly managed to pip former Formula Renault 2.0 European rival Oliver Rowland to 2nd position, with Sam Bird once again a competitive 4th for Russian Time.
The GP3 field will return to the Yas Marina Circuit for the second day of track action tomorrow morning at 9am local time, with the afternoon session scheduled to start at 3pm later in the day.
Morning times Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Dean Stoneman Koiranen 1m56.278s 18 2. Patric Niederhauser Jenzer 1m56.584s +0.306s 19 3. Dino Zamparelli MW Arden 1m56.649s +0.371s 18 4. Sam Bird Russian Time 1m56.711s +0.433s 16 5. Kevin Korjus Status 1m56.837s +0.559s 16 6. Jan Mardenborough Carlin 1m56.858s +0.580s 22 7. Melville McKee Manor 1m56.921s +0.643s 25 8. Alex Fontana ART 1m56.927s +0.649s 20 9. Roman de Beer Trident 1m56.986s +0.708s 27 10. Emil Bernstorff Carlin 1m57.067s +0.789s 24 11. Pierre Gasly ART 1m57.198s +0.920s 19 12. Marvin Kirchhofer MW Arden 1m57.211s +0.933s 20 13. Oliver Rowland Manor 1m57.430s +1.152s 12 14. Edward Jones MW Arden 1m57.511s +1.233s 16 15. Jimmy Eriksson Russian Time 1m57.635s +1.357s 8 16. Adderly Fong Koiranen 1m57.665s +1.387s 20 17. Emanuele Zonzini ART 1m57.670s +1.392s 19 18. David Fumanelli Jenzer 1m57.881s +1.603s 15 19. Jordan King Status 1m57.883s +1.605s 5 20. Nick Cassidy Status 1m58.023s +1.745s 19 21. Nicholas Latifi Carlin 1m58.349s +2.071s 21 22. Santiago Urrutia Koiranen 1m58.701s +2.423s 21 23. Ryan Cullen Manor 1m58.771s +2.493s 26 24. Kevin Joerg Jenzer 1m59.080s +2.802s 26 25. Ivan Taranov Trident 1m59.225s +2.947s 27 26. Juan Branger Trident 2m02.334s +6.056s 20 27. Kuba Dalewski Russian Time 2m03.730s +7.452s 6 Afternoon times Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Dean Stoneman Koiranen 1m55.829s 25 2. Pierre Gasly ART 1m55.940s +0.111s 29 3. Oliver Rowland Manor 1m55.967s +0.138s 17 4. Sam Bird Russian Time 1m56.028s +0.199s 27 5. Kevin Korjus Status 1m56.419s +0.590s 24 6. Alex Fontana ART 1m56.432s +0.603s 25 7. Marvin Kirchhofer MW Arden 1m56.468s +0.639s 26 8. Jan Mardenborough Carlin 1m56.469s +0.640s 33 9. Roman de Beer Trident 1m56.549s +0.720s 23 10. Nick Cassidy Status 1m56.603s +0.774s 16 11. Patric Niederhauser Jenzer 1m56.614s +0.785s 24 12. Dino Zamparelli MW Arden 1m56.628s +0.799s 25 13. Adderly Fong Koiranen 1m56.653s +0.824s 25 14. Emil Bernstorff Carlin 1m56.678s +0.849s 33 15. Edward Jones MW Arden 1m56.845s +1.016s 23 16. Jimmy Eriksson Russian Time 1m56.904s +1.075s 28 17. Emanuele Zonzini ART 1m57.019s +1.190s 29 18. Melville McKee Manor 1m57.247s +1.418s 23 19. David Fumanelli Jenzer 1m57.269s +1.440s 20 20. Jordan King Status 1m57.274s +1.445s 26 21. Santiago Urrutia Koiranen 1m57.295s +1.466s 22 22. Nicholas Latifi Carlin 1m57.381s +1.552s 30 23. Ryan Cullen Manor 1m57.675s +1.846s 25 24. Ivan Taranov Trident 1m57.978s +2.149s 30 25. Juan Branger Trident 1m58.652s +2.823s 34 26. Kevin Joerg Jenzer 1m58.798s +2.969s 14 27. Kuba Dalewski Russian Time 1m59.116s +3.287s 30
Picture(s) Copyright © Sam Bloxham/GP3 Series Media Service
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
Giovanni Venturini Storms To Maiden GP3 Victory At Silverstone
Giovanni Venturini has stormed to his maiden victory in the GP3 Series, after a mature drive from the reverse grid pole fending off the charging local hero of Nick Yelloly throughout the entire race. The leading duo were joined on the rostrum by the Jenzer Motorsport of Alex Fontana, after a thrilling 15-lap race.
At the start Giovanni Venturini stormed into the lead with Nick Yelloly in hot pursuit, with the Briton momentarily rising into the lead at Turn 3 before running slightly wide and ceding the lead to the Italian at Turn 4. Further back carnage ensued as Robert Visoiu, Conor Daly, Emanuele Zonzini, Dino Zamparelli and Adderly Fong all collided at Turn 4 and were forced into retirement. Throughout the opening few laps Nick Yelloly swarmed over the rear of Giovanni Venturini’s Trident Racing machine, but to no avail as the 21-year-old defended his lead with superb maturity.
As Nick Yelloly settled into 2nd position and began to look after his tyres, David Fumanelli came under investigation from the stewards after allegedly overtaking Jimmy Eriksson under yellow flag conditions at Turn 4. Eventually the Italian driver was struck with a drive-thru penalty, as Kevin Korjus produced the fastest lap of the race on Lap 9 before being shown the black and white flag by the stewards for exceeding the track limits.
During the closing stages of the race, Nick Yelloly began to mount a charge for the lead of the race once again against Giovanni Venturini, however the Italian sensation continued to deny the local hero of the luxury of the lead. Try as the Carlin driver might, Venturini mastered an incredibly mature drive as Yelloly swarmed over the rear of his car in a bid to steal the lead during the closing stages of the race. The Briton managed to produce the fastest lap of the race in the process, which accounted for very little in the end as Giovanni Venturini stormed across the line to secure his maiden GP3 victory in superb fashion.
Picture Copyright © Malcolm Griffiths/GP3 Series Media Service
Kevin Korjus Takes Impressive GP3 Pole At Silverstone
Kevin Korjus has taken an impressive pole position for rookie outfit Koiranen GP, only just ahead of the local hero of Jack Harvey. The leading duo were followed home by the ART Grand Prix driver of Facu Regalia in 3rd, after a thrilling and frenetic qualifying session around the legendary Silverstone circuit.
After the miserably wet weather conditions witnessed during the opening day of the British Grand Prix weekend, the GP3 fraternity were greeted with glorious sunshine and a dry track ahead of qualifying for the first race of the weekend. Estonian driver Kevin Korjus became the first driver to take to the Silverstone circuit as the session got underway, leading out a long queue of awaiting drivers all eager to begin circulating the 5.891km circuit. The 20-year-old eventually produced the first timed lap of the day with a 02:03.140, which was immediately bettered by Swedish driver Jimmy Eriksson.
As the qualifying session gradually progressed, the times at the top continued to improve as the likes of Aaro Vainio, Carlos Sainz jr., and Robert Visoiu rose to the top with the latter producing a 01:47.976 for MW Arden. However, the Romanian’s reign at the top was quickly thwarted by team-mate Daniil Kvyat who stormed to the top of the timing sheets with a 01:47.366. Carlos Sainz jr. was on course to dispose of his Russian team-mate after lighting up the timing screens throughout the opening two sectors, however the Spaniard ran extensively wide at Turn 16 and therefore ruined his lap.
As Carlos Sainz jr. recovered after his minor excursion through the gravel trap at Turn 16, local driver Jack Harvey appeased his home fans by storming to the top with a 01:47.145. Once again the times at the top continued to plummet, with Kevin Korjus momentarily returning to the top before Championship leader Tio Ellinas asserted his authority over proceedings with a 01:46.693.
As the session drew to a thrilling conclusion, Carlos Sainz jr. and Jack Harvey returned to the top, before the Koiranen GP driver of Kevin Korjus finally cemented his first pole in the GP3 Series with a 01:46.360. The majority of the field were refused the luxury of bettering the Estonian’s benchmark, after the Carlin of Eric Lichtenstein spun at Turn 3 and brought out numerous yellow flags.
The leading duo in the Drivers’ Championship of Tio Ellinas and Conor Daly could only manage 6th and 9th respectively, in what will unquestionably be a thrilling 15-lap race later in the afternoon. Newcomers Koiranen GP have certainly made their mark in the Series despite their rookie status, with Kevin Korjus clearly set upon recording his debut victory in the Series during race one.
Picture Copyright © Malcolm Griffiths/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
Tio Ellinas Fends Off Patric Niederhauser For GP3 Victory At Spain
Tio Ellinas has continued from where he left off last season in the GP3 Series with a stunning victory at the opening race of the season around Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, fending off the charging Jenzer Motorsport of Patric Niederhauser. American ace Conor Daly finished a close 3rd, in a race utterly dominated by tyres.
Although Kevin Korjus initially secured pole position earlier in the day, the Estonian driver was subsequently issued with a grid penalty for ignoring yellow flags in the practice session. This meant Tio Ellinas started the race from pole alongside Patric Niederhauser, and the duo led away at the front at the start as the field negotiated the tight opening few turns. After the opening lap, the 21-year-old Cypriot had already opened up a one second lead to Patric Niederhauser, whereas further back many battles ensued for position.
Towards the rear of the pack Marussia Manor Racing debutant Ryan Cullen ran extensively wide at the final corner and skipped deep into the gravel trap but managed to continue circulating. British rising star Josh Webster became the first retirement of the race on Lap 6, after the Status Grand Prix driver returned to the pits with an issue on his car. As the race progressed, Daniil Kvyat’s tyres began to seriously wear as the Russian driver plummeted through the order.
Facu Regalia was forced to take avoiding action through Turn 10 after Kevin Korjus out-broke himself, as the field bunched up as tyre wear gripped the pack. Finnish debutant Patrick Kujala became the next retirement of Lap 11, as more drivers began to suffer greatly due to tyre wear. As the race entered its closing stages, almost the entire field began to suffer from tyre wear including race leader Tio Ellinas who was coming under serious pressure from the Jenzer Motorsport of Patric Niederhauser.
Dino Zamparelli crashed out of the race on Lap 14, after the Briton slammed into the rear of Kevin Korjus at Turn 5. This saw Zamparelli damage the front-right of his car and bury himself deep within the retaining gravel trap. Facu Regalia was also forced into retirement after returning to the pits, as both Tio Ellinas and Patric Niederhauser came under pressure from Conor Daly’s ART Grand Prix.
Despite a late surge towards the latter stages of the race, Tio Ellinas managed to fend off both Patric Niederhauser and Conor Daly to secure his second victory in the Series and the first in the new GP3/13 machine. After loosing pole position due to the grid penalty for the first race, Kevin Korjus managed to secure the reverse grid pole and will start tomorrow’s race alongside David Fumanelli. With tyre wear clearly the name of the game in the new era of the GP3 Series, expect further freneticism as the season progresses.
Results - 17 laps:
Pos Driver Team Time/Gap
1. Tio Ellinas Manor 28m06.022s
2. Patric Niederhauser Jenzer + 0.428s
3. Conor Daly ART + 0.940s
4. Nick Yelloly Carlin + 9.726s
5. Aaro Vainio Koiranen + 16.925s
6. Jack Harvey ART + 23.006s
7. David Fumanelli Trident + 23.572s
8. Kevin Korjus Koiranen + 28.615s
9. Robert Visoiu MW Arden + 29.053s
10. Alex Fontana Jenzer + 29.426s
11. Lewis Williamson Bamboo + 29.669s
12. Giovanni Venturini Trident + 30.832s
13. Luis Sa Silva Carlin + 37.044s
14. Melville McKee Bamboo + 37.277s
15. Carlos Sainz Jr MW Arden + 51.669s
16. Samin Gomez Jenzer + 51.949s
17. Emanuele Zonzini Trident + 52.325s
18. Eric Lichtenstein Carlin + 52.759s
19. Jimmy Eriksson Status + 53.858s
20. Daniil Kvyat MW Arden + 1m08.691s
21. Ryan Cullen Manor + 1m09.967s
22. Carmen Jorda Bamboo + 1m10.626s
23. Adderly Fong Status + 1m14.398s
24. Facu Regalia ART + 2 laps
Retirements:
Driver Team Laps
Dino Zamparelli Manor 14
Patrick Kujala Koiranen 10
Josh Webster Status 6
Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP3 Series Media Service
Kevin Korjus Storms To GP3 Pole But Incurs Penalty
GP3 debutant Kevin Korjus has stormed to his and Koiranen GP’s maiden GP3 pole after a thrilling qualifying session around Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, but will incur a ten-place grid penalty after allegedly ignoring yellow flags during Friday practice. This will therefore see Tio Ellinas start from pole alongside Patric Niederhauser.
The first ever qualifying session for GP3’s new GP3/13 machine got underway in dry conditions around Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, with Russian debutant Daniil Kvyat leading out a long queue of awaiting drivers once the session began. His team-mate Robert Visoiu set the early benchmark for MW Arden with a 01:38.191, which was quickly smashed by the third MW Arden of local driver Carlos Sainz jr. However, MW Arden’s reign was short-lived, as Koiranen GP’s Kevin Korjus stormed to the top with a 01:35.920.
As the 30-minute session progressed, the times at the top continued to tumble as the likes of Tio Ellinas, David Fumanelli and Patric Niederhauser all rose to the top with the latter setting a 01:34.809 for Jenzer Motorsport. Singapore-born British driver Melville McKee endured a tough first qualifying session for Bamboo Engineering, as the 18-year-old spun at Turn 9 on his way to 22nd on the grid. After returning to the pits for a fresh set of tyres, Carlos Sainz jr. returned to the top with a 01:34.733, before Kevin Korjus continued to improve with a 01:34.619.
Throughout the final minutes of the session, the quest for pole intensified as Tio Ellinas stormed to the top with a 01:34.233 before team-mate Ryan Cullen spun his Marussia Manor Racing machine at Turn 12. This caused a momentary yellow flag period as his car was retrieved, before Kevin Korjus blitzed the opposition with a 01:34.193. However, after ignoring yellow flags during practice earlier in the weekend, the Estonian driver will incur a ten-place grid penalty allowing Tio Ellinas to start on pole alongside Patric Niederhauser.
The opening race of the 2013 GP3 season will get underway later in the day, in what will surely be a thrilling 16-lap event. Both Tio Ellinas and Patric Niederhauser are in their second seasons in the Series, and will unquestionably have victory in their sights once the lights go out later this afternoon.
Picture Copyright © Malcolm Griffiths/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
Conor Daly Fastest After Day One Of GP3 Barcelona Test
American driver Conor Daly has ended the opening day of the Barcelona GP3 test fastest overall for ART Grand Prix, after the 21-year-old posted a 01:34.578 during the afternoon period. The Kiwi of Nick Cassidy was fastest in the damp morning period, with a time several tenths slower than Daly’s eventual benchmark in the afternoon session.
The opening day of the Barcelona test began in damp weather conditions, after overnight rain fell over the Circuit de Catalunya. This prevented the field from taking to the track for the opening twenty minutes, before several drivers finally left the confines of the pits on slick tyres on the drying circuit. However, the inclement weather quickly returned in the form of light rain, providing a conundrum for the drivers as the conditions were too wet for dry tyres yet too dry for wet tyres.
Only a handful of drivers set timed laps in the opening half of the morning period, before Kevin Korjus rose to the top to make it a Koiranen GP one-two at the top. Eventually the sunshine broke through the cloud cover and once again began to dry the Circuit de Catalunya, allowing the field to switch back to the dry weather tyres. There were several red flag delays during the morning period, which included David Fumanelli who stopped out on track for Trident Racing.
As the morning session entered its closing stages, local hero Carlos Sainz jr. went fastest before Kevin Korjus returned to the top. However, Nick Cassidy eventually set the benchmark time for Marussia Manor Racing with a 01:34.924, a timed which remained unbeaten as the morning session drew to a conclusion. The Kiwi was followed at the top by Kevin Korjus and Carlos Sainz jr. in 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Nick Cassidy was fastest during the morning period.
After a two hour lunch break proceedings continued around Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, despite the dark clouds looming overhead and threatening further rainfall. The afternoon session was plagued by further red flag delays, including stoppages from the likes of Aaro Vainio who spun into the gravel and Josh Webster who’s GP3/13 machine suffered from a technical issue. The ART Grand Prix duo of Facu Regalia and Jack Harvey went fastest as the session continued, before the MW Arden of Daniil Kvyat rose to the top.
However, America’s Conor Daly finally asserted his authority over proceedings during the final thirty minutes of the day for ART Grand Prix, with a 01:34.578. This time remained unbeaten at the top, as Daly was followed home by Tio Ellinas in 2nd and Nick Cassidy in 3rd. The Barcelona GP3 test will continue tomorrow morning around the Circuit de Catalunya, with proceedings scheduled to get underway at 9am local time.
Morning session: Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Nick Cassidy Manor 1m34.924s 21 2. Kevin Korjus Koiranen 1m35.196s + 0.272s 19 3. Carlos Sainz Jr MW Arden 1m35.261s + 0.337s 22 4. Alex Fontana Jenzer 1m35.350s + 0.426s 26 5. Tio Ellinas Manor 1m35.436s + 0.512s 19 6. Aaro Vainio Koiranen 1m35.661s + 0.737s 28 7. Lewis Williamson Bamboo 1m35.711s + 0.787s 25 8. Patric Niederhauser Jenzer 1m35.722s + 0.798s 19 9. Adderly Fong Status 1m35.820s + 0.896s 25 10. Facu Regalia ART 1m35.845s + 0.921s 14 11. Nick Yelloly Carlin 1m35.878s + 0.954s 16 12. Patrick Kujala Koiranen 1m35.910s + 0.986s 18 13. Conor Daly ART 1m35.934s + 1.010s 14 14. David Fumanelli Trident 1m36.045s + 1.121s 18 15. Jack Harvey ART 1m36.156s + 1.232s 12 16. Daniil Kvyat MW Arden 1m36.163s + 1.239s 14 17. Dino Zamparelli Manor 1m36.354s + 1.430s 23 18. Josh Webster Status 1m36.520s + 1.596s 23 19. Emanuele Zonzini Trident 1m36.622s + 1.698s 14 20. Giovanni Venturini Trident 1m36.783s + 1.859s 18 21. Robert Visoiu MW Arden 1m36.827s + 1.903s 20 22. Jimmy Eriksson Status 1m37.049s + 2.125s 17 23. Luis Sa Silva Carlin 1m37.175s + 2.251s 19 24. Eric Lichtenstein Carlin 1m37.747s + 2.823s 20 25. Samin Gomez Jenzer 1m37.877s + 2.953s 23 26. Ryan Cullen Bamboo 1m38.058s + 3.134s 17 27. Carmen Jorda Bamboo 1m39.522s + 4.598s 16 Afternoon session: Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Conor Daly ART 1m34.578s 28 2. Tio Ellinas Manor 1m34.710s + 0.132s 27 3. Nick Cassidy Manor 1m34.715s + 0.137s 23 4. Alex Fontana Jenzer 1m34.826s + 0.248s 30 5. Nick Yelloly Carlin 1m34.900s + 0.322s 39 6. Facu Regalia ART 1m34.943s + 0.365s 27 7. David Fumanelli Trident 1m35.059s + 0.481s 32 8. Daniil Kvyat MW Arden 1m35.171s + 0.593s 32 9. Carlos Sainz Jr MW Arden 1m35.218s + 0.640s 36 10. Kevin Korjus Koiranen 1m35.313s + 0.735s 43 11. Jimmy Eriksson Status 1m35.337s + 0.759s 34 12. Jack Harvey ART 1m35.402s + 0.824s 28 13. Emanuele Zonzini Trident 1m35.448s + 0.870s 23 14. Patric Niederhauser Jenzer 1m35.593s + 1.015s 19 15. Lewis Williamson Bamboo 1m35.604s + 1.026s 30 16. Giovanni Venturini Trident 1m35.651s + 1.073s 33 17. Dino Zamparelli Manor 1m35.716s + 1.138s 32 18. Adderly Fong Status 1m35.759s + 1.181s 40 19. Robert Visoiu MW Arden 1m35.934s + 1.356s 33 20. Aaro Vainio Koiranen 1m35.967s + 1.389s 39 21. Luis Sa Silva Carlin 1m36.277s + 1.699s 34 22. Josh Webster Status 1m36.424s + 1.846s 10 23. Samin Gomez Jenzer 1m36.485s + 1.907s 36 24. Eric Lichtenstein Carlin 1m36.572s + 1.994s 44 25. Ryan Cullen Bamboo 1m37.909s + 3.331s 24 26. Patrick Kujala Koiranen 1m37.955s + 3.377s 12 27. Carmen Jorda Bamboo 1m38.683s + 4.105s 43
Picture(s) Copyright © Malcolm Griffiths/GP3 Series Media Service
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