Leading British Formula 3 rookie Alex Lynn took two second places in the fourth round of the British F3 International Series this weekend to strengthen his bid for a top placing in the rankings.
Lynn was one of the fastest drivers throughout the weekend at the Rockingham circuit in Northamptonshire, the reigning Formula Renault UK champion enjoying his best F3 weekend to date.
The 18-year-old laid the foundations for his bid by qualifying on the front row for the two main races in his Mercedes-powered Fortec Motorsport Dallara.
“That was quite a good session, although I’m a little disappointed not to be on pole as we were fastest here a couple of weeks ago in testing. I didn’t make a great start on my first set of tyres, but I re-focused myself and did a good job. Our pure pace is looking pretty strong.”
Alex did not get the ideal getaway off the line in the first race, but he forced his way back into second place at the opening corner with some opportunist manoeuvres. He ended the first lap with a lot of ground to make up on race leader and current championship leader Jazeman Jaafar, but set to work and consolidated his position, and was never seriously threatened by Fortec team-mate Felix Serralles, who chased him home.
“I hoped to make a better start, but I stayed inside into the hairpin and most people tried it around the outside. I just put my nose up the inside and the others ran wide, then I shut the door on Felix into the next corner.
“Our pace was close to Jaafar’s, and sometimes I could push and catch him but then he could pull away a little bit, and I had to stay on my guardfrom Felix.”
With a strong start in race three, Lynn was able to hold off Carlos Sainz Jr throughout for another second placing behind race winner Jack Harvey.
“Jack was just incredibly quick this weekend and I don't there was anything that anyone could do about it,” said Alex, who is a member of the FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy, the MSA’s Team UK and the British Racing Drivers Club’s SuperStars programme.
“I think my pace was good compared to everyone behind me, and I’m happy to pick up the points for second.”
Lynn also gained valuable points with a strong run to seventh in the reversed-grid race, just behind Jaafar. “It’s been a very good weekend,” he summed up. “I’m very confident in the team and the car and am now up to a close fifth in the championship. We’ve got two more rounds coming up in quick succession, so there’s everything to play for!”
The next round is on the famous Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit in Kent on June 23/24, followed by Norisring in Germany on June 29-July 1.
