James Jakes wins action-packed race at Pau
31.05.2008 - At Pau, British driver, James Jakes (ART Grand Prix) secured himself his first season win in the Formula 3 Euro Series. At the 2.76 kilometres long and very narrow street circuits beneath the Pyrenees, he took the chequered flag just ahead of Edoardo Mortara (Signature-Plus) and Jon Lancaster (ART Grand Prix). The race was marked by numerous accidents and two safety car interventions. Only ten out of the 30 young drivers made it to the finish. After five rounds, Edoardo Mortara is on top in the points’ standings of the Formula 3 Euro Series, eight points clear of Finn Mika Mäki (Mücke Motorsport). Thus, a driver with a Volkswagen engine is the points’ leader for the first time in history of the Formula 3 Euro Series.
At a drying track, Jakes led all the way from lights to flag in difficult conditions. It was the second time in his career after Magny Cours in 2007 that the Brit took the winner’s trophy after a round of the Formula 3 Euro Series. Behind the man from Leeds, there were plenty of retirements, as the street circuit at parts provided little grip, many drivers losing control of their car. One of the drivers affected was Mika Mäki, who had been in the lead of the points’ standings prior to the race. After the start, the Finn was second, but he already retired following a driver’s error on lap three. Third-placed Nico Hülkenberg also retired early after hitting the barrier on lap eleven.
James Jakes (ART Grand Prix): “It was a difficult race as conditions were anything but ideal. I am really happy with my first win of the season, especially as the start of my season wasn’t too good.”
Edoardo Mortara (Signature-Plus): “So far, the weekend here at Pau has been quite good for me. After qualifying, I knew that I would be able to get a good result. On the third lap, I slightly clipped the wall. After that, I focussed on staying on the track and make it home safely.”
Jon Lancaster (ART Grand Prix): It was an exciting race. I hadn’t expected being on the podium already after only my fifth race in the Formula 3 Euro Series, and from twelfth on the grid at that. I am happy.”
Air temperature: 17.2 °C
Asphalt temperature: 18.8 °C