|
Marko Asmer took the runner-up spot in today’s
qualifying race to secure a front row start for tomorrow’s Polytec
Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix. The Hitech Racing driver took the early lead in
the qualifier from pole-sitter Oliver Jarvis as the pack entered the first
corner.
A multi-car accident ensued behind which eliminated
Sebastien Buemi and Edoardo Mortara and held up many drivers behind. Further round
the opening lap, Esteban Guerrieri also hit the wall, forcing the deployment of
the safety car.
With the British F3 Champion at the front leading Jarvis
and his team-mate Kazuya Oshima, things were looking good for Asmer to take
victory. However when the race resumed after three laps behind the safety car,
Jarvis got into the slipstream of the Hitech ace and powered his way past into
the lead.
Asmer wasn’t giving up though and for the remaining
laps, was right with the British A1GP race winner, pushing him all the way to
the flag, which signalled a premature end to the race when first Niko
Hulkenberg and Bruno Senna collided and then Atte Mustonen crashed out. With
the race declared at just seven laps, Asmer crossed the line just over a second
and a half adrift of Jarvis to secure another front row start for
tomorrow’s main race.
“Marko did exactly what he needed to do today to
guarantee a front row start for the main race,” said Hitech Racing team
Principal David Hayle. “The real race is tomorrow and it was important
to drive sensibly to get to the finish in a strong finishing position for it
and that’s exactly what he did.”
For Asmer’s young team-mate, Austrian Walter
Grubmüller, the qualifying race saw another mature drive from the 18 year-old
on his first visit to the Guia streetth position, Walter kept his head when
those around him were losing theirs, gradually picking off cars ahead to get up
to 16th place at the flag which will ensure an eighth row start for
the F3 rookie in tomorrow’s Macau Grand Prix.
circuit. Starting from 27
“Walter did an excellent job today,” said
Hayle. “He started 27th and got up to 16th at the
flag. If he can continue that performance tomorrow we could be looking at a
top ten finish, which would be a fantastic result for him on his first visit
here.”
The team’s third driver Michael Ho was unfortunately
forced out after three laps after a collision with another car which caused a
broken rear wishbone and front wing.
Tomorrow’s 54th running of the Macau
Grand Prix, the Polytec Formula 3 Grand Prix, will commence at 15.30pm local
time.
Results of the Qualification Race –
7 laps
1. Oliver Jarvis Team Reckless Tom's Dallara-Toyota Tom's
20min 35.911secs
2. Marko Asmer
Hitech Racing Dallara-Mercedes +1.687secs
3. Kazuya Oshima Team Reckless Tom's Dallara-Toyota Tom's
+3.159secs
4. James Jakes Manor Motorsport Dallara-Mercedes
+4.722secs
5. Sam Bird Carlin Motorsport Dallara-Mercedes +5.595secs
6. Yelmer Buurman Manor Motorsport Dallara-Mercedes
+6.563secs
16. Walter Grubmüller Hitech Racing
Dallara-Mercedes +23.579secs
|
