Electronic issues ruin Max' second race

Published on 04 May 2014 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen's second race at the FIA Formula 3 European Championship round at Hockenheim did not go to plan. Due to an electronic issue affecting the gear box, the 16-year-old Dutchman is unable to take his pole position grid slot. Esteban Ocon takes full advantage of the situation and leads the race from start to finish. Meanwhile, Van Amersfoort Racing were able to fix Max' car problems so he will start from pole position for race 3.

As the entire field, consisting of 27 young drivers heads out to the starting grid, Max informs the team via his radio about transmission issues. His car is stuck in third gear. The Van Amersfoort Racing mechanics try their best to fix the issue in the few minutes before the pit lane closes. Max is able to hit the track in time but unfortunately he will not make it to the grid as his car grinds to a halt after a few corners. He manages to restart the car but he is forced to park it behind the barriers.

Later on, the team discovers that the gear box problems are caused by an electronics issue. Luckily the team has had enough time to investigate and fix the problems and Max will start race 3 in his Van Amersfoort Racing F3 car from pole position.

As Max' grid slot remains empty, Esteban Ocon effectively inherits pole position. As the lights go out, the Frenchman has a good start and holds on to he lead. Antonio Giovinazzi and Edward Jones slot in behind him. The top three positions do not change hands and Ocon takes a comfortable victory. Auer, Blomqvist and Latifi complete the top six.

The full schedule for the FIA F3 European Championship round at Hockenheim can be found here.
To follow Max at Hockenheim you can make use of the official Euro F3 live timing and stream:
Live timing is available at: http://livetiming.de/timing/FIA
Live stream (races only) available at: http://www.fiaf3europe.com/livestream.html

Furthermore, via Twitter and Facebook we will keep you updated throughout the weekend followed by a full report on Verstappen.nl at the end of the day’s action. For exclusive pictures of Max, check out our Hockenheim photo album.

FIA Formula 3 European Championship – Round 2, Hockenheim – Day 3 Sunday May 4: 
Results race 2