Paul di Resta (ASM Formule 3) is the new champion in the Formula 3 Euro Series. A tenth place in the 19th round of the season was enough for the 20-year old Scotsman, as his direct rival Sebastian Vettel (ASM Formule 3), Friday test driver of the BMW Sauber Formula 1 team, only finished third. Victory in the penultimate round of the season in the Formula 3 Euro Series at the 4.574 kilometres long Hockenheimring went to Esteban Guerrieri (Manor Motorsport) from Argentina, ahead of 17-year old Swiss, Sébastien Buemi (Mücke Motorsport).
Paul di Resta had a jump start after starting from pole-position. After coming in for the subsequent drive-through penalty, he dropped back to 14th place. Sebastian Vettel benefited from the penalty of the Scottish ASM-driver and moved up from seventh on the grid to second after five laps. On lap eight, the 19-year old made a driving error which allowed Sébastien Buemi to get through. As Sebastian Vettel would have had to win the two remaining rounds to remain his title hopes upright, di Resta clinched the championship title.
Argentine Esteban Guerrieri celebrated his second victory of the season. Second-placed Sébastien Buemi celebrated his second podium finish in the world’s toughest junior racing series after his earlier success in Oschersleben.
Paul di Resta (ASM Formule 3): “It hasn’t really sunk in yet that I have actually won the title. It was one of the most difficult races, as I immediately knew that I had jumped the start. We have been working hard for four years, I have deserved the title. It was a hard fight with Sebastian Vettel. I have a couple of options for next year, but I don’t know exactly what I will be doing.”
Esteban Guerrieri (Manor Motorsport): “It has been a long time since my last win, so I am very happy. My team Manor Motorsport consists of some really hard-working people, so I dedicate this victory to them and my family.”
Sébastien Buemi (Mücke Motorsport): “My last podium was at the BP Ultimate Masters at Zandvoort, early August. Having made it again is a nice feeling.”
Sebastian Vettel (ASM Formule 3): “Unfortunately, I made a couple of mistakes after a good start. Thus, I even had to fight for third place. Second place in the championship standings was not my goal, so I am a little bit disappointed. Changing back and forth from the Formula 1 into the Formula 3 car in the last few weeks has not always been easy.”
