Qualifying
While initially wet, the track dried pretty quickly and performance saw a dramatic improvement in the last few minutes.
As a result, the final few drivers to cross the line had a significant timing advantage, and due to astonishing traffic on the final lap, the ART Grand Prix drivers were unable to exploit the potential shown during free practice.
Christian made a mistake on his fastest lap and finished in 20th position while Laurens and Tuukka couldn’t improve their times and ended up 15th and 13th respectively.
Sprint Race
All drivers started the race on slicks despite the track being still wet in places.
Tuukka was hit at the start and completed the first lap in 20th position, behind Laurens (17th) and Christian (18th).
Laurens and Tuukka gained several places to finish 10th and 14th, while Christian struggled with his tires towards the end.
Feature Race
Tuukka’s race got off to a bad start when he had to slow down considerably at the exit of the first corner to avoid a crash. Two laps later, he was forced to retire after being hit by another driver.
Laurens and Christian made good starts, and both took advantage of the chaos to climb to 11th and 14th place. After the race, Christian was demoted from 14th to 21st place for causing a collision.
With three neutralizations during the event, opportunities to move further up the ranks were scarce, and they both finished just outside the points.
Tuukka Taponen:
“I had no experience with the team, the car, or the tires, but ART Grand Prix put me in ideal conditions for my F3 debut. I didn’t set any goals, only to have fun and improve each lap. I was 6th fastest in free practice in the rain and with 13th place in qualifying, it was an excellent result. Unfortunately, in the race, I had all the bad luck possible and couldn’t reward the team for their welcome and hard work.”
Sébastien Philippe:
“Everything comes down to the small details to be with the leading pack or outside the points, and after several successful weekends, we lacked luck at Spa. But before the Monza finale, I note the team’s and drivers’ fighting spirit and their adaptation to complex conditions. A special mention to Tuukka who integrated very well into the team and whose performances were remarkable for his debut at short notice.”
Copyright : Formula Motorsport Limited
