A wonderful sun greeted the last race of the weekend in Anderstorp. And that was the scene for the chaotic start as Jarno Opmeer starting from Pole Position stalled on the grid, giving Richard Verschoor the opportunity to continue his winning streak and championship victory.
In P2, Roope Markkanen was trying to contain Alexander Vartanyan who was pushing hard, in between both Racing Twins as Rasmus was in P4. As Roope dropped, Jarno became a threat to Rasmus Markkanen, both driver were fighting, allowing Alexander Vartanyan to take some advantage. But Jarno Opmeer got the upper hand on the young Finn and set his eyes on Vartanyan gearbox and started to cut the Russian driver lead lap by lap.
And the drama continued for Opmeer as in the second last corner of the track, in the very last lap of the race, when it was clear that he could not overtake Vartanyan anymore nor was he under the threat of Rasmus Markkanen, the Dutch went off and hit the wall. He came out unhurt, but ended all his chances in the championship.
Richard Verschoor won his tenth race in a row and score his third hat-trick this year with a gap over 8 seconds to Alexander Vartanyan who crossed the Finnish line P2 and Rasmus Markkanen completed the podium.
Richard Verschoor was therefore crowned 2016 SMP F4 NEZ Champion, with one round to go. An amazing performance from the young Dutch who’ll head to the last round in Ahvenisto with much less pressure on his young shoulders.
“I am very happy and I would thank everyone who has been supporting, helping me and believing in me this season. From my mechanic to my driver coach and of course Red Bull Racing. The beginning of the season was not easy, but I managed to keep my head straight and eventually it paid off. See you in Ahvenisto!” – Richard Verschoor
The last round of the 2016 season will be held next week in Ahvenisto, Finland!
Press Release