Hitech Racing’s Walter Grubmüller added to his points tally with ninth place in the opening British Formula 3 International Series at Spa-Francorchamps yesterday. His team-mate Max Chilton crossed the line in 17th after being awarded a drive-through penalty for jumping the start. Austrian Grubmüller made the perfect getaway to maintain his position off the line and by the completion of the second lap had got up to tenth. Three laps later he had closed down the gap to Daniel Campos and found a way past and up into ninth.  Over the remaining laps, the 19 year-old closed down the gap to double race winner Michael Devaney for eighth.

With the race distance scheduled to be 30 minutes or 12 laps, the drivers had expected the flag to be shown after the completion of lap 12 but as the field crossed the line the chequered flag failed to materialise.  As they crossed the line at the end of lap 13, it looked as though Walter may gain two places when first Sam Abay then Devaney slowed allowing Walter through. The results however were declared after 12 laps with Walter still happy to have gained more championship points.

For his 17 year-old team-mate Max, a flying start off the line was to prove disastrous.  At the lights Max catapulted away making up four places before the cars entered La Source hairpin. However, before the second lap the BRDC Superstar was signalled to pit to receive his drive-through penalty, rejoining the track in 23rd. A spirited drive by the youngster over the remaining laps allowed him to make up several places and at the flag he crossed the line 17th.

Results of Race One – 12 laps

1. Oliver Turvey Carlin Motorsport Dallara F308 Mercedes HWA 27:10.8002. Brendon Hartley Carlin Motorsport Dallara F308 Mercedes HWA 27:12.0313. Jaime Alguersuari Carlin Motorsport Dallara F308 Mercedes HWA 27:18.3404. Sam Abay Carlin Motorsport Dallara F308 Mercedes HWA 27:19.4515. John Martin Räikkönen Robertson Racing Dallara F308 Mercedes HWA 27:23.0226. Sergio Perez T-Sport Dallara F308 Mugen Honda 27:28.8509. Walter Grubmüller Hitech Racing Dallara 308 Mercedes HWA 27:36.42617. Max Chilton Hitech Racing Dallara F308 Mercedes HWA 27:57.230

Click here for the Official Raikkonen Robertson Motorsport web site - designed and built by Racecar