Back to: News02 Aug 09
Oschersleben F3 Euro Series : Vietoris inherits surprise victory !
Gravity driver Christian Vietoris was handed his third season victory in the second F3 Euro Series race of the Oschersleben weekend after six drivers ahead of him had 30 seconds added to their race times.
The Mucke Motorsport driver was only seventh on the road at the finish but inherited the win after 21 of the 23 drivers were penalized for setting personal best times through the first sector while yellow flags were displayed.
Vietoris’ weekend started with a 3rd place in qualifying followed by a 4th place finish in Saturday’s proceedings which were dominated by championship leader Jules Bianchi. In Sunday’s second race, it was Stefano Coletti who looked set to take top honors after a commanding performance, only for the 30 s penalties to be added in the closing stages of the race. Vietoris struggled to remain in contention in race 2, defending his 5th position on the track before Bianchi mounted a spectacular attack which forced the German to run wide and fall down to 7th. But in the end, it was Vietoris who found himself on the top step of the podium.
“I am happy with the six points for this victory. When other drivers are too fast under yellow, the time penalty is justified. After all, yellow flags are not being shown just for fun, but to guarantee safety for the marshals who are working on a car that is stuck.”
In the championship points’ standings, ART Grand Prix driver Jules Bianchi remains in the lead, with a margin over Christian Vietoris of 18 points.
