F3 Euro Series: Antonio Giovinazzi wins from Tom Blomqvist.

At the 3.629 kilometres long Nürburgring, Antonio Giovinazzi, (Jagonya Ayam with Carlin), celebrated his second FIA Fórmula 3 European Championship of the season. The Italian benefited from the retirement of long-time leader Max Verstappen, (Van Amersfoort Racing), who stopped due to a technical problem with five laps remaining. Brit Tom Blomqvist, (Jagonya Ayam with Carlin) and Frenchman Esteban Ocon, (Prema Powerteam), claimed the remaining slots on the winners’ podium. In the FIA Fórmula 3 European Championship standings, Lotus Fórmula 1 junior driver Esteban Ocon has extended his lead from second-placed Verstappen again. Ocon now has 92 points more than Verstappen, who was included into the Red Bull Junior Team early last week.

At the start, Max Verstappen took the lead from second place on the grid while Tom Blomqvist, who started from pole position, dropped back to third behind Verstappen and Antonio Giovinazzi. Later on, Blomqvist had to battle for third with a charging Esteban Ocon. At the same time, Antonio Giovinazzi put Max Verstappen under pressure in the duel for the lead. Initially, both Verstappen and Blomqvist were able to defend their respective positions. On lap 20, however, the 16-year-old Dutchman suddenly slowed down and stopped and the four years older Antonio Giovinazzi inherited the lead. Eventually, the Italian scored his second victory of the season from team-mate Tom Blomqvist and Esteban Ocon.

Antonio Fuoco, (Prema Powerteam), took the chequered flag in fourth place, followed by Lucas Auer, (Mücke Motorsport), Jordan King, (Carlin), Felix Rosenqvist, (Mücke Motorsport) and Edward Jones, (Carlin). Tatiana Calderón, (Jo Zeller Racing), was classified ninth. Thus, the only lady racer in the FIA Fórmula 3 European Championship field scored points for the fifth time this season already. Nicholas Latifi, (Prema Powerteam) concluded the 26th race of the season in tenth place.

Antonio Giovinazzi, (Jagonya Ayam with Carlin): “My start was really good, I was able to overtake Tom straight away and then I was behind Max. When Max suddenly stopped, I could take the lead. I feel sorry for Max, but that is racing. On the other hand, I don’t think I would have been able to overtake him had it not been for his problem”.

Tom Blomqvist, (Jagonya Ayam with Carlin): “On one hand, I am happy with second place, because it brings many points. On the other hand, it is also disappointing, because I started from pole position and, of course, I wanted to win. The problem was my start, which wasn’t good”.

Esteban Ocon, (Prema Powerteam): “I was fourth for a long time, but I kept Tom under pressure throughout the race. When Max retired, I was able to take third place. Before this race, we managed to improve my car once again, but it’s still not perfect. Therefore, I reckon I can be happy with my result”.

Photos: FIA F3 Euro Series