Ralph Boschung will go into the GP3 Series summer break on a high after securing eighth place in Sunday’s Sprint Race during his maiden outing at the Hungaroring, host to round four of the junior F1 category this weekend (July 24-26).
Another outing in his experience-gathering 2015 campaign saw the Swiss ace endure a difficult start to the weekend at the unfamiliar Hungarian venue. Tasked with learning the particularly complex 2.72-mile circuit, the JENZER MOTORSPORT driver soon got to grips with the track and posted the 14th fastest time in Saturday’s qualifying session.
A new starting procedure put in place just prior to Hungary meant the 17-year-old struggled to get off the line in that afternoon’s Feature Race. However, he was soon able to fight his way up to P10 and commence battle with team-mate Mathéo Tuscher. A hard fight between the compatriots eventually led to Boschung losing momentum, as well as grip, and falling back down the order before eventually finishing 13th.
A frustrated Ralph regrouped however ahead of Sunday’s partially-reversed grid Sprint Race, for which he lined up where he’d finished the previous day. This time a fantastic start from the Swiss youngster saw him make up five places in the early stages of the contest and was running eighth, between Marvin Kirchhofer and Adderly Fong, on lap two.
Boschung then clung on to his position throughout the remainder of the race despite another closely fought battle with Tuscher over the final few laps. Indeed, Ralph demonstrated some stellar defensive driving as the JENZER MOTORSPORT pair went wheel-to-wheel for the final championship point.
But at the chequered flag it was Boschung that came out on top, claiming a solid eighth place finish and another point to add to his tally in the GP3 Series standings.
“It’s great to end the weekend on a high after a difficult start,” said Ralph post-race. “Qualifying and Race 1 didn’t go particularly well for me, but I think the result in the Sprint Race today certainly showed the progress I’ve made over the course of the weekend.
“As was the case at Silverstone, it’s a real challenge to learn a new track and takes time to find the pace. But I think it’s all part and parcel of my first year in GP3. The first season is for learning about the car and the circuits, and it’s not until the second when you start really performing.”
Ralph currently sits 10th in the championship standings, an impressive feat considering his lack of experience in the hotly-contested GP3 Series.
“The championship is pretty tight at the top, but to be going into the summer break in 10th is great. I’d like to thank everyone at JENZER MOTORSPORT for all of their hard work.
“As ever, I’d also like to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to my main backer, B63, as well as the Valais-based construction company CP3, Champery-based Avanthay&Partners real estate, and Moderntimes Hotel. I’d also like to thank all of the ‘Club 50’ members who continue to support me throughout my career.”
Following a short break in the calendar the GP3 Series resumes on August 21-23 with round five of the 2015 campaign, which takes place at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.
