Atech CRS GP finished just outside the top ten in the opening round of the GP3 Series in Istanbul Saturday, after a stirring drive by rookies Zoel Amberg and Nick Yelloly netted 12th and 13th places. There was disappointment for fellow GP3 newcomer Marlon Stockinger who overcame a gearbox issue on the green flag lap, for which he was forced to start dead last, only to be punted off on the second lap.
After a relatively trouble-free run in free practice yesterday, the trio were hopeful of a good qualifying session this morning, in which Stockinger led the way with the 17th fastest time. Yelloly was next up qualifying 19th, although he was penalised three grid places, for crossing the pit road exit, putting him 22nd. This promoted Amberg, initially 22nd fastest, up to 21st, putting them side-by –side on row 11.
A great start by Amberg and Yelloly saw them carve their way through the field, helped by the intervention of the safety car which allowed he field to bunch up, but Stockinger was sidelined on lap two, his race over with suspension damage.
Zoel Amberg: “That was a very good race, I made a great start and won a few places. At the beginning I had some oversteer but towards the end of the race it was much steadier and I was able to get some good times. Now I start P12 for tomorrow’s second race and I will go my best, try and push forward and hopefully get a top ten finish.”
Nick Yelloly: “It was a pretty good recovery in the race from starting 22nd so I’m reasonably happy with that result. I got a really great start and had a battle with Zoel (Amberg) which was good but towards the end of the race I struggled a bit with understeer although I think we had good pace otherwise. Tomorrow I start 13th so I shall attempt to get another good start, push ahead again in the opening laps and move up the order again.”
Marlon Stockinger: “On the green flag lap we had a technical problem with the gearbox which meant I couldn’t pull away properly. This meant I had to start from the back of the grid, but after a great getaway had moved up eight places by the time I reached the start finish line. However at the last corner I was taken out and with too much damage to the car, I was forced to retire. It’s disappointing obviously as I’ll be starting from near the back but I’ll be pushing hard for a good result.”
Team Principal David Hayle: “Both Zoel and Nick drove exceptionally well from their relatively low grid spots, both made great starts and were able to make up several places early on, so it looks promising for them tomorrow. Marlon was unlucky to suffer with the technical problem with his gearbox, which prevented him from getting away cleanly on the green flag lap and unluckier still to be taken out on the second lap. Hopefully tomorrow he can get the result we know he’s capable of.”
