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Saturday, 02 August 2008 |
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Hitech
Racing’s Walter Grubmüller added to his points tally with ninth place in
the opening British Formula 3 International Series at Spa-Francorchamps
today. His team-mate Max Chilton crossed the line in 17th after
being awarded a drive-through penalty for jumping the start.
Austrian
Grubmüller made the perfect getaway to maintain his position off the line
and by the completion of the second lap had got up to tenth. Three laps
later he had closed down the gap to Daniel Campos and found a way past and
up into ninth. Over the
remaining laps, the 19 year-old closed down the gap to double race winner
Michael Devaney for eighth.
With
the race distance scheduled to be 30 minutes or 12 laps, the drivers had
expected the flag to be shown after the completion of lap 12 but as the
field crossed the line the chequered flag failed to materialise. As they crossed the line at the
end of lap 13, it looked as though Walter may gain two places when first
Sam Abay then Devaney slowed allowing Walter through. The results however
were declared after 12 laps with Walter still happy to have gained more
championship points.
For
his 17 year-old team-mate Max, a flying start off the line was to prove
disastrous. At the lights Max
catapulted away making up four places before the cars entered La Source
hairpin. However, before the second lap the BRDC Superstar was signalled
to pit to receive his drive-through penalty, rejoining the track in
23rd. A spirited drive by the youngster over the remaining laps
allowed him to make up several places and at the flag he crossed the line
17th.
Results
of Race One – 12 laps
1. Oliver Turvey Carlin Motorsport Dallara F308
Mercedes HWA 27:10.800
2. Brendon Hartley Carlin Motorsport Dallara
F308 Mercedes HWA 27:12.031
3. Jaime Alguersuari Carlin Motorsport
Dallara F308 Mercedes HWA 27:18.340
4. Sam Abay Carlin Motorsport
Dallara F308 Mercedes HWA 27:19.451
5. John Martin Räikkönen Robertson
Racing Dallara F308 Mercedes HWA 27:23.022
6. Sergio Perez T-Sport
Dallara F308 Mugen Honda 27:28.850
9. Walter Grubmüller Hitech Racing
Dallara 308 Mercedes HWA 27:36.426
17. Max Chilton Hitech Racing
Dallara F308 Mercedes HWA 27:57.230
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