Mika Mäki wins Formula 3 Euro Series season opener
Air temperature: 13.9 °C
Asphalt temperature: 13.8 °C
Finnish driver, Mika Mäki (Mücke Motorsport) is
the first winner of the 2008 Formula 3 Euro Series. The Formula
3 novice won the exciting race at the 4.574 kilometres long
Hockenheimring Baden-Württemberg from Charlie Kimball
(Prema Powerteam) and Edoardo Mortara (Signature-Plus), the
best-placed Volkswagen driver. Thus, the company from Wolfsburg
already scored its maiden podium finish in its ninth race
in the Formula 3 Euro Series. Volkswagen drivers also claimed
fourth, fifth and sixth place.
Mäki, who became the first Finn to win a round of the
world’s strongest junior race series, benefited from
the retirement of Nico Hülkenberg (ART Grand Prix), who
was sidelined with an engine problem while in the lead. After
23 laps, Mäki won with a margin of 1.464 seconds over
returnee Kimball.
During the race, British driver, Jon Lancaster (ART Grand
Prix) barrel-rolled his car. In the battle for sixth place,
the rookie driver hit the rear wheel of the car driven by
Jean-Karl Vernay (Signature-Plus) and barrel-rolled. He had
no apparent injuries, but was taken to hospital for a precautionary
check-up.
Mika Mäki (Mücke Motorsport):
“Winning my first race in the Formula 3 Euro Series
is great. So far, the weekend has been perfect, in spite of
the weather conditions being quite difficult at times. After
Hülkenberg had retired, I took the lead, controlled the
race and safely drove first place home.”
Charlie Kimball (Prema Powerteam): “Being
back in the Formula 3 Euro Series is great. And finishing
on the podium right away is making the return even better.
As I didn’t want to take any risks, I safely drove second
place home.”
Edoardo Mortara (Signature-Plus): “I
am really happy with a podium finish in my first race with
Volkswagen at the start of their first complete season in
the Formula 3 Euro Series. Now, we can work on from here.
There is still a lot of potential in the car and the engine.
I am totally happy with third place as today, Mäki and
Kimball were quicker than me.”
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