#27 Dan Ticktum (GBR – Motopark Dallara Volkswagen)
Qualifying 1: 1st – Race 1 Grid: 1st – Race 1 Result: 1st
Qualifying 2: 1st – Race 2 Grid: 1st – Race 2 Result: DNF (Technical)
Qualifying 2nd time: 2nd – Race 3 Grid: 2nd – Race 3 Result: 2nd
FIA F3 European championship position: 3rd – 63 points – after 6 of 30 races
Fast all weekend at the Hungaroring, 18-year-old Briton Dan Ticktum picked up his first FIA F3 Championship victory in Race 1 on Saturday. Though forced out of Race 2 he took second in Race 3. The Red Bull Junior had been third quickest in Free Practice on Friday and secured pole in Qualifying One later that afternoon.
Despite tricky, mixed conditions, the Motopark driver then superbly converted pole into victory on Saturday morning. “Not a bad weekend at all, great to get that win.” explained Ticktum. “The Motopark guys did a great job with the car and we were quick from the start. Race 1 just went the way it should even though it was still a bit damp for the early laps and that needed some attention but I ended up seven seconds ahead, nothing to add to that really.”
A second Pole
He then backed that up with an excellent performance in Qualifying 2 that afternoon, secured pole for Race 2 and P2 on the grid for Race 3. “In Race 2 I didn’t get quite the start I should have but we were certainly on for at least second but something damaged the brake line. So that was it, a shame but I had to pull in.”
“Yes, confirmed Motopark Team Manager Timo Rumpfkeil. “Dan collected some debris which went into the left rear wheel fairing and relocated the brake line which then was jammed between the wheel fairing and the rim. There it got damaged and as a consequence he had no more rear brakes.”
No second win
“Race 3 was a better start,” continued Ticktum. “I got ahead of Enaam (Ahmed) who was on pole but at the first corner Armstrong (Marcus Armstrong) ran into me again. That’s the third time in six races, I think he must be trying to tell me something.”
“He put himself out of the race and it didn’t help me, not major damage but I think it did effect us. Enaam got past when that happened and though I went after him I knew I had to look after the tyres. Mick (Schumacher) was pushing from behind but I knew that he’d finish his tyres early and that’s what happened and I got second.”
“So a pretty good weekend, the championship would look even better if we had finished Race 2 but that happens, it’s a good way to go on to the next races, we’ve got the confidence and the pace.”
Source: Red Bull Junior Team – https://win.gs/2LmxUek