Jack Harvey Takes Maiden GP3 Victory In Incident-Filled Race
Jack Harvey has cruised to his maiden GP3 victory after an incident-filled 15 lap race around the legendary Silverstone circuit, which included a horrific incident for Patrick Kujala who barrel-rolled over the rear of David Fumanelli.
At the start Conor Daley jumped the start and stormed into 2nd position, whereas the American’s team-mate Jack Harvey shot from 2nd position into the lead at Turn 1. Through the opening corners several drivers ran slightly wide, including the MW Arden of Carlos Sainz jr. As many battles ensued throughout the order, race leader Jack Harvey proceeded to produce the fastest lap of the race. Further down the order Ryan Cullen and Jimmy Eriksson made minor contact at Turn 1, resulting in both drivers coming under investigation by the race stewards.
After visibly jumping the start, Conor Daly was struck with a drive-thru penalty along with the Bamboo Engineering of Melville McKee and the Trident Racing of David Fumanelli. As the race progressed, the safety car was deployed after a huge incident between Series rookie Patrick Kujala and David Fumanelli, with the former barrel-rolling over of the rear of the Italian’s machine. The Koiranen GP driver violently flew through the air and clattered into the retaining tyre barrier, eventually coming to rest upside-down.
The ever-efficient British marshals were immediately on the scene, as the 16-year-old Finn was assisted from his wrecked GP3/13 machine. The safety car period lasted for several laps as the stricken machines were cleared, before the race was resumed with only five laps remaining. Conor Daly immediately elected to serve his drive-thru penalty, as Jack Harvey stormed back into a commanding lead. As the race drew to a conclusion, Lewis Williamson and Carlos Sainz jr. collided whilst battling for 8th position and the reverse grid pole for tomorrow’s second race. The Briton was forced into a frustrating retirement down the Wellington Straight, as Sainz jr. limped around in his damaged MW Arden.
Despite the incident-filled 15 laps, Jack Harvey managed to bring his ART Grand Prix machine home to secure his maiden GP3 victory on home soil, ahead of initial pole-man Kevin Korjus with team-mate Facu Regalia a distant 3rd. Italian driver Giovanni Venturini will start tomorrow’s race from the reverse grid pole, alongside the Jenzer Motorsport driver of Alex Fontana.
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
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
Lewis Williamson Fastest On Third And Final Day Of GP3 Estoril Test
Lewis Williamson has ended the third and final day of the GP3 Estoril test fastest overall for new team Bamboo Engineering, in a day which once again featured heavy rain. Kevin Korjus ended the morning period fastest for rookie outfit Koiranen GP, with the 27 drivers battling hard against the treacherous elements.
Just like the previous day, the third day dawned with heavy rain lashing down upon the Estoril circuit, providing the drivers with incredibly tricky track conditions early on. Only two driver changes occurred over night, with Nick Cassidy replacing Tio Ellinas at Marussia Manor Racing and Lewis Williamson returning to Bamboo Engineering in place of Ryan Cullen. Despite the inclement weather conditions, many drivers were eager to begin testing once the track turned green.
However, there was a controversial and early red flag delay when a stray dog was found wandering around the circuit. Naturally proceedings were halted until the dog was removed, and when the session restarted Kevin Korjus set the early pace for Koiranen GP. Due to the tricky track conditions many drivers made minor errors throughout the morning period, with the likes of Jack Harvey and Patrick Kujala spinning and therefore causing further red flag delays.
Kevin Korjus was fastest during the wet morning period for Koiranen GP.
Kevin Korjus remained at the top of the timing sheets as the morning progressed, as the unrelenting rain continued to dampen proceedings. Patric Niederhauser became the next driver to fall foul of the tricky conditions, as the Swiss driver spun into the gravel and brought out another red flag delay. Alex Fontana did likewise once the session was resumed, therefore enabling Kevin Korjus’s time at the top to remain unchallenged, as the Estonian driver was followed by Carlos Sainz jr. and Jack Harvey.
Despite the terrible weather conditions of the morning period, sunshine greeted the 27 drivers once the afternoon session began. Nick Cassidy and Nick Yelloly set the initial benchmark, with the weather conditions still not perfect with strong winds gusting through the circuit. As the track continued to dry out, the drivers elected for the dry tyres and therefore began to set much more competitive lap times.
Kevin Korjus and Carlos Sainz jr. rose to the top as the afternoon session continued, whereas rookie Jimmy Eriksson spun as the rain began to fall once again. Many teams decided to run race simulations in the afternoon period, however Jack Harvey soon rose to the top for ART Grand Prix with only one hour remaining. Alex Fontana caused yet another red flag delay as his Jenzer Motorsport machine was struck with technical issues, whereas Lewis Williamson set the pace with a 01:27.675 to end the first GP3 pre-season test fastest for Bamboo Engineering.
The GP3 fraternity will reconvene next month for the second pre-season test around Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, as preparations for the new season continue to gather momentum. During the opening test the new GP3/13 car completed a combined total of 3809 laps, with much positivity from the entire GP3 grid.
Today’s times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps 1. Lewis Williamson Bamboo 1m27.675s 44 2. Daniil Kvyat MW Arden 1m27.763s 46 3. Robert Visoiu MW Arden 1m27.848s 66 4. Jack Harvey ART 1m28.080s 60 5. Dino Zamparelli Manor 1m28.139s 63 6. David Fumanelli Trident 1m28.159s 52 7. Alex Fontana Jenzer 1m28.179s 54 8. Patric Niederhauser Jenzer 1m28.212s 51 9. Facu Regalia ART 1m28.322s 60 10. Kevin Korjus Koiranen 1m28.372s 53 11. Giovanni Venturini Trident 1m28.385s 59 12. Emanuele Zonzini Trident 1m28.459s 57 13. Carlos Sainz Jr MW Arden 1m28.485s 52 14. Nick Cassidy Manor 1m28.522s 74 15. Conor Daly ART 1m28.923s 63 16. Aaro Vainio Koiranen 1m29.044s 74 17. Ethan Ringel Bamboo 1m29.076s 42 18. Nick Yelloly Carlin 1m29.104s 56 19. Patrick Kujala Koiranen 1m29.335s 41 20. Luis Sa Silva Carlin 1m29.341s 75 21. Vicky Piria Manor 1m29.461s 54 22. Josh Webster Status 1m29.648s 52 23. Eric Lichtenstein Carlin 1m29.823s 69 24. Samin Gomez Jenzer 1m30.177s 77 25. Roberto La Rocca Bamboo 1m30.399s 29 26. Melville McKee Status 1m31.780s 37 27. Jimmy Eriksson Status 1m32.761s 38
Picture(s) Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP3 Series Media Service
Carlos Sainz jr. Fastest After Opening Day Of GP3 Estoril Test
Spanish GP3 debutant Carlos Sainz jr. has ended the opening day of the Estoril test fastest for MW Arden, after GP3’s first official pre-season test around the Portuguese circuit. The 18-year-old set the fastest time in the afternoon period, whereas Cypriot Tio Ellinas set the pace in the morning for Marussia Manor Racing.
The opening day of the pre-season test at Estoril was the dawn of a new era of GP3 action, with the 27 drivers taking to the track in the brand-new GP3/13 machine. Several teams up and down the grid sported revised liveries, such as Status Grand Prix and MW Arden, only adding to the excitement and intrigue which surrounds the new season. This test was also the first opportunity for two new outfits to gain their first taste of GP3 action, as Koiranen GP from Finland and Bamboo Engineering (formerly Atech Grand Prix) from the United Kingdom took to the track.
The Carlin of Angolan driver Luís Sá Silva made GP3 history by becoming the first driver to take to the track in the new GP3/13 machine, as the new 400hp car roared into life around the Estoril circuit. Soon, the majority of the field had also taken to the track to carry out various installation laps. However, the drivers soon began experimenting with the new machinery and setting competitive lap times, with the Carlin of Eric Lichtenstein setting the initial benchmark ahead of Kevin Korjus and David Fumanelli.
Tio Ellinas produced the fastest time in the morning period.
Russian driver Daniil Kvyat then rose to the top of the timing sheets with a stunning time only several tenths under the GP3 lap record around Estoril, before former race winner Tio Ellinas surpassed the record with a 01:29.396 for Marussia Manor Racing. This lap remained unchallenged as the morning session drew to a close, with Ellinas being followed by the MW Arden of Daniil Kvyat and David Fumanelli in the Trident.
After the lengthy two hour lunch break, the drivers returned to the Estoril circuit. During the break, the track temperature dropped slightly as Aaro Vainio set the fastest time with a 01:28.971. Italian ace David Fumanelli momentarily posted the fastest time of the day, before Russian rookie Daniil Kvyat put his MW Arden atop the timing sheets, nearly three quarters of a second faster than the Trident driver.
A red flag delay was caused at the start of the final hour of proceedings, when American driver Ethan Ringel of Bamboo Engineering spun. However, track action was quickly resumed as Carlos Sainz jr. produced a blisteringly quick time of a 01:26.816 to assert his authority over proceedings in the final minutes of the day. The Spaniard remained fastest as the day was brought to a conclusion, with Sainz jr. being followed by MW Arden team-mate Daniil Kvyat and Marussia Manor Racing’s Tio Ellinas in 3rd. The GP3 Estoril test will continue tomorrow, as the stars of the future continue to prepare for the new season.
Today’s times:
Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps 1. Carlos Sainz Jr MW Arden 1m26.816s 29 2. Daniil Kvyat MW Arden 1m27.616s + 0.800s 27 3. Tio Ellinas Manor 1m27.681s + 0.865s 19 4. David Fumanelli Trident 1m27.714s + 0.898s 26 5. Kevin Korjus Koiranen 1m27.846s + 1.030s 25 6. Robert Visoiu MW Arden 1m27.871s + 1.055s 24 7. Giovanni Venturini Trident 1m28.021s + 1.205s 30 8. Patric Niederhauser Jenzer 1m28.068s + 1.252s 42 9. Facu Regalia ART 1m28.112s + 1.296s 27 10. Conor Daly ART 1m28.309s + 1.493s 28 11. Jack Harvey ART 1m28.509s + 1.693s 21 12. Patrick Kujala Koiranen 1m28.614s + 1.798s 24 13. Aaro Vainio Koiranen 1m28.791s + 1.975s 19 14. Alex Fontana Jenzer 1m28.844s + 2.028s 28 15. Nick Yelloly Carlin 1m29.019s + 2.203s 28 16. Adderly Fong Status 1m29.029s + 2.213s 26 17. Emanuele Zonzini Trident 1m29.159s + 2.343s 28 18. Dino Zamparelli Manor 1m29.201s + 2.385s 30 19. Josh Webster Status 1m29.417s + 2.601s 27 20. Samin Gomez Jenzer 1m29.682s + 2.866s 35 21. Vicky Piria Manor 1m29.816s + 3.000s 27 22. Eric Lichtenstein Carlin 1m29.852s + 3.036s 27 23. Ethan Ringel Bamboo 1m30.266s + 3.450s 27 24. Luis Sa Silva Carlin 1m30.477s + 3.661s 26 25. Jimmy Eriksson Status 1m30.694s + 3.878s 29 26. Lewis Williamson Bamboo 1m31.142s + 4.326s 9 27. Roberto La Rocca Bamboo 1m31.313s + 4.497s 13
Picture(s) Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP3 Series Media Service
Jean-Eric Vergne Continues Abu Dhabi Dominance
World Series by Renault Reigning Champion, Jean-Eric Vergne, has continued his dominance of the Young Driver Test into Day 2 as he ended the day +0.091 seconds ahead of Jules Bianchi in the Ferrari as Britain’s Gary Paffett came home 3rd in the McLaren.
Although the gap between Vergne and Bianchi has decreased since yesterday, Vergne is still comfortably ahead of both the Ferrari and the McLaren, much like how this 2011 season has been like since March. GP3 Champion, Valtteri Bottas, ended the day an impressive 4th for Williams +2.179 seconds off the pace.
Sam Bird struggled in the Mercedes as he ended the day 7th behind the Force India of Johnny Cecotto Jr. and Esteban Gutierrez in the Sauber. Renault ended the session 8th with Kevin Korjus, a stark contrast to yesterday when Robert Wickens ended the day 3rd ahead the McLaren’s of Paffett and Turvey.
Team Lotus had another successful day with Brazilian GP2 graduate, Luiz Razia, finishing 9th once again ahead of the Toro Rosso of Kevin Ceccon, the HRT’s of Charouz and Berthon and the Virgin Racing of suspected 2012 driver Charles Pic. Razia was only +3.756 seconds off the pace, opening up a considerable gap to the other “new” teams of HRT and Virgin Racing who were just under three seconds adrift of Team Lotus alone, a whole six seconds off the overall pace.
Charles Pic, who has been highly rumored to replace D’Ambrosio at Virgin next year, ended the day 12th with the HRT’s of Jan Charouz and Nathaneal Berthon both above and below him respectively. Pic has improved by around three tenths on his overall best time yesterday when he shared the seat with GP3 graduate Adrian Quaife-Hobbs.
Tomorrow is the final day of this years now annual Young Driver Test, with the teams now preparing for the final round of the 2011 season at Brazil. The question now, just like this season with Vettel, is who can find enough pace to knock Vergne off the top spot of the timing sheets as he strives to make it a hat-trick of first places.
Day 2 Classification:
Pos Driver Team Time Gap 1. Jean-Eric Vergne Red Bull-Renault 1m40.188s
2. Jules Bianchi Ferrari 1m40.279s + 0.091
3. Gary Paffett McLaren-Mercedes 1m41.756s + 1.568
4. Valtteri Bottas Williams-Cosworth 1m42.367s + 2.179
5. Johnny Cecotto Jr Force India-Mercedes 1m42.873s + 2.685
6. Esteban Gutierrez Sauber-Ferrari 1m43.637s + 3.449
7. Sam Bird Mercedes GP 1m43.734s + 3.546
8. Kevin Korjus Renault 1m43.776s + 3.588
9. Luiz Razia Lotus-Renault 1m43.944s + 3.756
10. Kevin Ceccon Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m44.808s + 4.620
11. Jan Charouz HRT-Cosworth 1m46.644s + 6.456
12. Charles Pic Virgin-Cosworth 1m46.698s + 6.510
13. Nathanael Berthon HRT-Cosworth 1m48.646s + 8.458
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