Sunday, August 05 2012

Carlos Sainz Jnr made it three different winners from as many British F3 races at Snetterton this weekend after an excellent drive from the front in tricky wet conditions.

A heavy rain shower just half an hour before the race made driving conditions tricky and wet tyres were essential, even though the sun made an appearance just minutes before the start. Spain's Sainz managed to jump pole sitter Jack Harvey at the start and once in the lead he never looked back to take the chequered flag from Felix Serralles and Jack Harvey.

With traction going to be crucial in slippery conditions a good start was vital and it was Sainz Jnr, who made the best getaway. The son of former World Rally champion Carlos Sainz, leapt into the lead at Riches with Serralles also finding a way past pole sitter Harvey. Alex Lynn grabbed fourth position just ahead of Jazeman Jaafar. Race two winner Harry Tincknell suffered on the opening lap dropping from fifth to eighth as he tried to get to grips with the challenging track conditions.      

The spray limited visibility but with the sun blazing down on the circuit it wasn't long before a dry line started to appear. Sainz began to extend his lead and threatened to storm away from the chasing pack after a string of fast lap times. Second placed Serralles responded with a fastest lap of his own but there was no stopping Sainz out in front. Further down the field Jaafar and Hannes Van Asseldonk enjoyed a close dice for fifth spot and Tincknell began to make a recovery as he past Fantin for seventh.

In the end Sainz proved to be untouchable and he cruised to the chequered flag finishing a full 12 seconds ahead of Serralles. Race one winner Harvey ended his weekend on a positive note with the final place on the podium and more importantly the lead in the championship standings.

Adderly Fong was the star of the National Class with a convincing victory from Pedro Pablo Calbimonte and Richard Goddard.

Cooper Tires British Formula 3 International Series Race 3 Top 10

1. Carlos Sainz Jnr, Carlin, 21 laps
2. Felix Serralles, Fortec, +12.413s
3. Jack Harvey, Carlin, +19.182s
4. Alex Lynn, Fortec. +35.565s
5, Jazeman Jaafar, Carlin, +45.719s
6. Hannes Van Asseldonk, Fortec, +52.926s  
7.Harry Tincknell, Fortec, +1min08.437s
8. Pipo Derani, Fortec, +1min09.382s
9. Pietro Fantin, Carlin, +1min10.815s
10 Fahmi Ilyas, Double R +1min24.037s

The next major event at Snetterton is the British Touring Car Championship on 11/12 August. Tickets are available in advance from £25, with free admission for children aged 12 and under. For more information call 0843 453 9000 or click here.