Stoneman seizes victory after exciting race

Marussia Manor Racing’s driver, Dean Stoneman, locked his 2^nd victory this year at the end of a thrilling race. Dino Zamparelli (ART Grand Prix) and Nick Yelloly (Status GP) complete the podium.

The first race of the GP3 series took place on a drying track. Dean Stoneman took an audacious stand by starting on slick tyres. It paid off as the British driver, who qualified on 11^th position, was able to secure the win as the first six drivers, like most of the drivers, took the departure with wet tyres. Marvin Kirchhöfer was less lucky, the ART Grand Prix driver, did not even see the end of the formation lap.

Alex Lynn and Richie Stanaway started from the pitlane after changing their tyres too late. Luca Ghiotto started first but was quickly overtaken by Emil Bernstorff. Farther in the pack, Patric Niederhauser touched with Jimmy Eriksson car and both drivers had to end their races.

After starting from sixth, Mathéo Tuscher took the lead after four laps thanks to his slick tyres. He was followed by Stoneman and Zamparelli whom he quickly distanced. He was ahead of Stoneman with almost 3 seconds and ten more seconds of Zamparelli when he sadly spun. Unable to restart his car, he found himself in a very dangerous position which prompted the deployment of the safety car.

At the restart, Stoneman was first with a one-second gap to Zamparelli. He also pocketed extra points for the fastest lap. Yelloly came third followed by Jann Mardenborough, Pal Varhaug, Alex Fontana, Stanaway, Lynn, who will start from the reverse pole tomorrow, Bernstorff and Riccardo Agostini. Though he started from the pole, Luca Ghiotto finished 18^th because of a puncture.