Felix Rosenqvist snatched the overall lead in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship standings thanks to a set of commanding victories at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal this weekend.
Rosenqvist got proceedings underway with third place in the opening race on Saturday, before going on to control the following two encounters from pole position – setting the fastest lap of each event on his way to wins number eight and nine of the year.
Rosenqvist’s performance at the Portimão track – a new addition to the F3 calendar for this season – means the Swede has now overhauled Antonio Giovinazzi (Italy) at the top of the standings, heading the championship table by 34.5 points with 150 still left up for grabs in 2015.
“A really amazing weekend,” says Felix Rosenqvist. “Apart from a few issues with the tyres in first qualifying, it has been close to perfect for us and it feels good to finally be leading the championship. We’re getting into the final stages of the season and I’m happy we could perform to this level here this weekend.”
Rosenqvist’s Prema Powerteam squad enjoyed one of their strongest weekends ever in the FIA F3 European Championship, occupying eight of the nine podium positions at stake at the Portuguese venue.
“I’m proud to be a part of this team, for sure,” Rosenqvist concludes. “We’ve always been quick, and they were always strong in the past, but this weekend was all about the team effort and people delivering to their maximum potential. It’s fantastic driving racing cars when things just work and everyone is pulling in the same direction, so big thanks to everyone at Prema Powerteam. I still take things race by race, but obviously winning the title is our clear target.”
Only two rounds remain on the 2015 FIA F3 European Championship calendar, with the penultimate event being staged at Germany’s Nürburgring circuit on September 25-27.
RESULTS (TOP FIVE)
Portimão (POR) | Round 9/11
Race 1
1: Jake Dennis (GBR/Prema Powerteam)
2: Alexander Albon (THA/Signature)
3: Felix Rosenqvist (SWE/Prema Powerteam)
4: Lance Stroll (CAN/Prema Powerteam)
5: Markus Pommer (GER/Motopark)
Race 2
1: Felix Rosenqvist (SWE/Prema Powerteam)
2: Jake Dennis (GBR/Prema Powerteam)
3: Lance Stroll (CAN/Prema Powerteam)
4: Gustavo Menezes (USA/Carlin)
5: George Russell (GBR/Carlin)
Race 3
1: Felix Rosenqvist (SWE/Prema Powerteam)
2: Jake Dennis (GBR/Prema Powerteam)
3: Lance Stroll (CAN/Prema Powerteam)
4: George Russell (GBR/Carlin)
5: Sergio Sette Camara (BRA/Motopark)
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (TOP FIVE)
After 9/11 rounds
1: Felix Rosenqvist (SWE/Prema Powerteam), 378 p.
2: Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA/Carlin), 343.5 p.
3: Charles Leclerc (MON/Van Amersfoort Racing), 324.5 p.
4: Jake Dennis (GBR/Prema Powerteam), 309 p.
5: George Russell (GBR/Carlin), 186 p.