Drivex and the Slovakian driver Richard Gonda managed their first podium in the 2013 European F3 Open after finishing 3rd in the Copa classification during Sunday race celebrated at Paul Ricard. And the podium came after another difficult qualifying session, when a mechanic problem prevented him to complete more than two laps, so the young Slovakian ace started 31th on the starting grid.
When the race was about to begin, track conditions were quite difficult because there were areas wet and other dryer. In addition, it rained over the course of the race. But good drivers shine under difficult conditions and Richard emerged on Sunday as one of them. After two laps he was 6th in the Copa classification, overtaking more than ten rivals by then. Improving like that, by the halfway point he was 3rd in the Copa after performing other amazing overtaking maneuvers. At the end it rained once again but Gonda managed to stay on track avoiding any mistake and finishing third, an excellent result after the qualifying session and a well-deserved prize for driver and team, taking into account their hard work all throughout the pre-season and also the weekend. Last but not at least, he was 2nd fastest among Copa drivers.
After retiring on Saturday, this podium is a brilliant reward for everyone at Drivex. Now team and driver are looking forward to approaching next meeting at Autodromo do Algarve, scheduled on 11-12 May.
Richard Gonda: This weekend was a bit difficult at the beginning. The weather was always changing and it was hard to find an ideal set-up. After an unlucky Saturday, we made very good basis for the Sunday race. The hard of Drivex and me was finally satisfied. Sundays race at Paul Ricard was one of the races that Ive enjoyed the most from all the races in my career. Ive to thank the whole Drivex team, we could adapt to bad conditions and showed great results.
Miguel ngel de Castro: Richard managed to do an incredible race. It was a very demanding race due to changeable weather conditions. He showed how good hes, because he needed to pass several drivers to reach the podium and, with a better place on the starting grid, even a win would have been possible.
