Max dominates Imola race 3

Published on 12 October 2014 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen was the man of the moment at the penultimate round of the FIA Formula 3 European Championship round at Imola. After charging up the order from eleventh to second in race 2, the Dutchman dominated the third and final race from pole position. Despite a DNF on Saturday in race 1, the excellent results on Sunday promote the Van Amersfoort Racing driver back into second place in the championship.

Max: “I'm delighted with this victory. The goal for the weekend was to hold on to second place in the standings despite my two 10-place grid penalties. We managed it so I’m really happy with the result.”

After two great starts in the first two races, Max is not able to capitalize on his pole position when Antonio Fuoco beats the 17-year-old to the first corner. In the run down to Tamburello, it is not just the Italian who tries to make his way past Max. Championship leader Esteban Ocon edges his nose in front of the Van Amersfoort Dallara F314 but Red Bull Junior holds on to second place.

“A couple of seconds before the start, my engine stalled. Luckily I was able to switch it back on before the lights went out. That's why I had a bad start but considering the stall, I it wasn’t that bad”, explains Max. “I knew I had stay ahead of Ocon if I had any ambitions to win this race.”

Right after the start, Edward Jones loses the car and he takes Antonio Giovinazzi out of contention. The chaos in the midfield that follows the incident, prompts race control to deploy a safety car. After three laps behind it, the field is unleashed and Max is able to hold on to second.
“In the beginning of the race, it was difficult to hang on to Fuoco and keep Ocon of my back. But I knew Van Amersfoort Racing gave me fast car. There was still a long way to go so I kept my cool and waited for opportunities.”

In lap five, the safety car makes a second appearance after Sandro Zeller hits the gravel traps, Sean Gelael loses all drive and Tatiana Calderon goes off. The race is restarted two laps later. Max makes the most of the opportunity and passes Fuoco with a move on the outside line. Within a lap, Max establishes an impressive 1.1s lead. “After I passed Fuoco, I knew the win was in the bag because I was so much faster.”

Before Max is able to cruise to victory, the safety car makes its final appearance. Felix Rosenqvist hits the tyres wall hard after touching Jordan King. Luckily both drivers are unharmed. Meanwhile, Max keeps the lead after the restart and is able to take his ninth win in only his first season in Formula 3. Fuoco crosses the line is second, ahead of Ocon, who's third place is enough to secure the title and a Ferrari F1 test at Fiorano.

“We've had too many DNFs caused by technical issues to really mount a title charge”, reflects Max. “Nevertheless, I want to congratulate Ocon. He was the most consistent driver and deserves the title.”
Next week, the final weekend of the series takes place at Hockenheim. “My goal is to win all three races”, concludes an ambitious Max.

FIA Formula 3 European Championship Round 7 – Imola - Day 3, Sunday 12 October:
Results race 2
Results race 3
Euro F3 drivers championship
Euro F3 rookie championship
Euro F3 team championship