Josef Newgarden arrived at Spa-Francorchamps hoping to build upon his promising showing at theHungaroring last time out, however the young American endured a frustrating weekend and left theBelgian circuit without the results he’d been looking for.

Newgarden learnt the circuit in Friday’s wet practice session, and in damp but drying conditions, theCarlin GP3 racer ran in the top five for most of qualifying. When Newgarden’s last few runs wereruined due to waved yellow flags, he was originally classified in 13th position. However, postqualifyingpenalties given to the numerous drivers who had set their fastest laps under the yellowflags, saw Newgarden promoted to fifth on the grid.

Lining up on the third row for the feature race, Newgarden needed a clean start for the run down tothe first corner, however when the lights went out, the #14 car stalled on the grid. Newgarden wasa sitting target for the majority of the field who were now bearing down on him, and unfortunatelythe Carlin car was struck, cementing Newgarden’s retirement from the race.

Starting towards the back of the field in race two, Newgarden had a lot of ground to make up. As atrain of cars bunched up under braking, the concertina effect that followed caused the 19 year-oldAmerican to make contact with another car. Newgarden was forced to pit for a new front wing onlap two, and was eventually classified in 21st place.

Looking ahead to the next event, Newgarden said: “I’m totally focused on Monza now, and as ever Ican’t wait to get out onto the track and learn the circuit. We’ve shown so much potential throughoutthe season, and it would be great to see that translate into a strong result on which to end the year.”The last race on the GP3 calendar will take place on 10 – 12 September at the renowned circuit ofMonza, in Italy.