Hülkenberg travels to the UK as championship leader
29.08.2008 - Nico Hülkenberg (ART Grand Prix), test driver for the Williams Formula 1 team, is going to contest this weekend’s Formula 3 Euro Series rounds held at Brands Hatch’s short Indy Circuit as new championship leader. While last year’s winner - previous leader Edoardo Mortara (Signature-Plus) is determined to strike back on the 1.929-kilometre track located in Kent County.
Therefore, thrilling races are guaranteed and even British Formula 1 superstar Lewis Hamilton doesn’t want to miss this battle. The current Formula 1 World Championship leader and 2005 Formula 3 Euro Series Champion will come to Brands Hatch to execute some demonstration laps at the wheel of his Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-23.
On the Thursday prior to the race weekend, the appeal court judges opted for allowing the appeal filed by Team ART Grand Prix against their driver’s Zandvoort disqualification for having failed to meet the minimum-weight regulations. With the ten points for his win in the Dutch Saturday round, Hülkenberg has got nine points more on his tally than Mortara and consequently is the new championship leader.
The best British driver on the grid of the planet’s most competitive young-gun series currently is Jon Lancaster (ART Grand Prix). With 12 rounds contested, he holds eighth position in the championship. Five weeks ago, at the Nürburgring, the 19-year old celebrated his maiden Formula 3 win. Four positions behind the rookie follows his Art Grand Prix team-mate James Jakes. In front of his home crowd, the latter would love to add another win to the one he secured in Pau.
Jon Lancaster (ART Grand Prix): “Back in 2006, I contested one of my first car races and the Indy Circuit of Brands Hatch. Therefore I have special memories of this racetrack. Unfortunately, overtaking is virtually impossible, there. Therefore, a good qualifying performance is particularly important. My goal for my home race? To secure pole position in qualifying and win the Saturday race. Last year, in the Formula Renault Eurocup, I also clinched my maiden pole in the British event, at Donington. I hope this will prove to be a good omen.”
The Formula 3 Euro Series is covered live or re-live in 20 countries. Furthermore, Formula 3 Euro Series race résumés are broadcasted in numerous countries.