Air temperature: 16.5 °C
Asphalt temperature: 15.4 °C
Nico Hülkenberg (ART Grand Prix) was the dominant winner of the ninth season round of the Formula 3 Euro Series at the 4.307 kilometres long former Grand Prix circuit at Zandvoort in The Nethrlands.
The 20-year old German scored a dominant lights-to-flag win from the two rookie drivers Mika Mäki (Mücke Motorsport) and Jules Bianchi (ART Grand Prix).
This allowed Hülkenberg to close up to only four points behind championship leader Edoardo Mortara (Signature-Plus). The 21 year old Italian retired early after a driving error and failed to score any points for the first time this season.
Hülkenberg’s third season win was never in danger. On the first metres already, the test driver of the Williams Formula 1 team pulled a gap over his rival Mika Mäki and took the chequered flag with a margin of 5.098 seconds.
For 20-year old Finn Mäki, it was already his third podium finish in the world’s toughest junior race series. For the second time this season, Frenchman Jules Bianchi was allowed to take part in a prize-giving ceremony, the 18-year old took the trophy for third place.
For British driver Sam Bird (Manor Motorsport), fourth place from Yann Clairay (SG Formula) was his best result in the Formula 3 Euro Series.
Nico Hülkenberg (ART Grand Prix): "Today, the start was decisive, as overtaking at this circuit is very difficult. I already knew that from last year, when I was stuck behind a few cars and couldn’t get past. Today, we did everything what we had planned. Therefore, I am very happy with our performance. After all, we don’t come here to finish fifth."
Mika Mäki (Mücke Motorsport): "After two weekends without any points, being on the podium again is great. At the start of the race, I had the impression that I could follow Nico. But he was too quick for my, which is why I concentrated to drive the eight points for second place home."
Jules Bianchi (ART Grand Prix): "For me, it was a good race. I achieved my goal of finishing on the podium. I am very happy with that."
- ITR -
More reports from this category all copyright automobilsport.com.
