PREMA Racing scores P9 in tight Sprint Race at Zandvoort
PREMA Racing came away from the opening race of the FIA Formula 3 Championship at Zandvoort with a points finish by Jak Crawford.
The 17-year-old American started from P8 but lost some spots at the start and went on to finish the race in P9 as the lack of passing opportunities on the Dutch track impacted the day.
Despite their starting positions, Ferrari Driver Academy Ollie Bearman and Arthur Leclerc made good recoveries although they didn't bring home points in P11 and P12 respectively. The performance of the Monegasque was impressive starting from the tenth row, while the British rookie showed good potential as well with a three-spot gain although a small mistake cost him a points finish.
The feature race tomorrow and the chance to make a few more improvements might give them a better chance to score points while Crawford will chase the win from the third spot on the grid.
#4 - Arthur Leclerc
A great comeback from P20 and I was really happy about the pace. I think we maximized all the opportunities during the race, despite a really tricky start and having to avoid a crash in the first lap. Then I tried to make my way through the field with some good overtakes. A good race, not rewarded by the points. Now we look onto tomorrow hoping to score some points in the Feature Race.
#5 - Jak Crawford
"It was not the most entertaining race in the world. I had a bad start from the right-hand side of the grid, and after that, I stayed in the position I finished the first lap in for the whole race. I had a couple of opportunities to pass for eighth, but it was a bit too risky just for one point, so I decided to stay in line and take the points. Otherwise, I think the pace was really good, just tyres were destroyed driving behind the others all the race. What we struggled with, I think we can fix it for the feature race tomorrow."
#6 - Ollie Bearman
"Tough race, P11 so I made up a few spots. I was running in the points the whole race after the first lap, but unfortunately, I made a mistake in turn 3 and dropped out. It was a mistake on my side, but we look to improve and aim for points tomorrow."