Formula 3 Euro Series driver Valtteri Bottas (ART Grand Prix) is the winner of the “Tango Masters of Formula 3” that took place at the 4.307 kilometres long circuit of Zandvoort this weekend. Thus, he follows in the footsteps of the likes of Lewis Hamilton (winner in 2005), David Coulthard (1991) and Nico Hülkenberg (2007). Bottas was followed home by Mika Mäki (Signature), Stefano Coletti (Prema Powerteam) and defending Masters winner Jules Bianchi. Eleven of the twelve best-placed drivers in Europe’s most important Formula 3 race come from the Formula 3 Euro Series, including the three junior drivers who finished on the podium.
Rookie Valtteri Bottas started the race from pole position, because fastest qualifier Jules Bianchi was dropped five places on the grid for having impeded some opponents in qualifying. Bottas won the dash to the first corner and already pulled a two seconds’ gap on the opening lap. He was followed after the start by Mäki, Coletti and Jean Karl Vernay (Signature), the latter being overtaken by his compatriot Bianchi on lap four. Six laps later, Vernay retired following a collision with local hero Henkie Waldschmidt (SG Formula).
Valtteri Bottas (ART Grand Prix): “It was a tough race, even if it didn’t look like that from the outside. The start and the first few laps, during which I could pull a gap over Mika were the keys to success. After that, I sort of controlled the race. Winning the Masters of Formula 3 is something quite special and I must admit to having been a little bit nervous prior to the race. Of course, expectations are high when one is starting from pole position.”
Mika Mäki (Signature): “The Masters was one of the best Formula 3 races I have ever driven. Being on the podium is a big achievement. I am also happy with being back on the podium after my rather poor weekend at Lausitz.”
Stefano Coletti (Prema Powerteam): “Somebody hit my car in the first corner after the start and my car got some damage. I had massive understeer from that time on. But I managed to cope with that and I managed to keep Jules Bianchi behind me.”
