Disappointing end to Max' Pau Grand Prix
Published on 11 May 2014 by Stefan Meens
After a superb podium in the first race, Max finished the third round of the FIA Formula 3 European Championship on a low. A DNF in race 2 after a spin into the tyre wall was followed by another retirement in the third and final race of the weekend. This time, a damaged front suspension halted Max his progress.
Despite damage to the rear wing and the rear suspension following the second race, Van Amersfoort Racing is able to repair Max' car for race 3. As the lights go out, Max has a fabulous start and is looking to pass pole sitter Esteban Ocon. The Frenchman spots the danger and steers with a blunt manoeuvre towards Max. The Dutch rookie has nowhere to go and the two drivers collide resulting in Max dropping back several places.
After the first lap, Max is in sixth position. However, the front suspension and front wing suffered a blow due to the collision with Ocon. The damage has consequences as Max crashes into the barriers at the Foch chicane.
“I had a good start but Ocon left me not enough space so we collided and I subsequently hit the barriers. My front wing was damaged and the car didn’t turn in properly after the collision. In the end, as I approached the chicane, I suffered a front suspension failure which meant I couldn’t turn the corner and I hit the wall. Not a great way to finish the weekend”, explains a disappointed Max.
Ocon receives a warning for his dangerous manoeuvre on Max but that is hardly a consolation for the Dutch driver who is out of contention for the remainder of the race. Meanwhile, Rosenqvist controls the race resulting in a victory for the Swede. Ocon and Tom Blomqvist make up the podium.
In regards to the championship, Ocon has had an excellent weekend affirming his position at the head of the table. The French driver leads with 164 points followed by Blomqvist (107), Lucas Auer (95) and Max (68).
The next round of the European F3 championship will be held at the Hungaroring near Budapest. The event will take place the 30 May – 1 June. It will be the perfect opportunity for Max to bounce back from a disappointing weekend as the Dutchman already proved his raw speed at the Hungarian track during the collective pre-season Euro F3 test.
FIA Formula 3 European Championship Round 3 - Pau – Day 3, Sunday 11 May:
Results race 3
Euro F3 drivers championship
Euro F3 rookie championship
Euro F3 team championship
