Formula Renault UKGP3 SeriesOpen Wheel

Manor Competition Graduates Fill GP3 Podium At Silverstone

1 Mins read

The result of the second of the GP3 Series races at Silverstone was not a special one for the British fans, with a home 1-2-3, but was also a proud moment for Manor Competition will all three drivers on the podium having graduated from the team's Formula Renault UK squad.

Lewis Williamson won the race, his maiden victory in the category, with Dean Smith second and Alexander Sims third. Not only were the trio all Manor Competition graduates, but they were also the last three winners of the prestigious McLaren Autosport BRDC Award.

Manor team owners Tony and Sarah Shaw are delighted to see their former drivers doing well on the international scene.

“We're absolutely over the moon to have seen Lewis, Dean and Alexander locking out the podium on Sunday at Silverstone,” said Tony. “They're all superbly talented drivers and we're hugely proud to have been part of their careers. Seeing three Manor Competition graduates on the podium on British Grand Prix weekend is a fantastic feeling.

“For us, this shows once again Formula Renault is the best place to learn the skills required to be a success in the higher categories. The most talented drivers to have come through our team have all gone on to achieve continued success. That makes us very proud and delighted for each of them.”

Williamson graduated to GP3 this year after finishing runner-up in Formula Renault with Manor last year, narrowly missing out on the title.

Smith won the 2009 Formula Renault title with Manor, despite missing the opening two rounds. He moved onto GP3 for its inaugural season last year.

Sims was runner-up in the 2008 Formula Renault season with Manor, and contested two seasons of the Formula 3 Euro Series before switching to GP3 for this year.

Manor also had two former racers contesting the British Grand Prix, with 2003 Formula Renault champion Lewis Hamilton finishing fourth. Paul Di Resta, who finished third in the 2004 Formula Renault UK Championship for Manor, qualified a career-best sixth, but could only finish in 15th position after a tough race.

1882 posts

About author
Peter joined the TCF team in September 2010 and covers GP2 and GP3 along with WTCC and Formula Two. You can find him on twitter at @PeteAllen_
Articles
Related posts
IndyCarOpen WheelOpinion

OPINION: Exhibition races have a place in IndyCar. The Thermal Club wasn't the right choice.

2 Mins read
IndyCar is racing this weekend, but not for points. That’s a sentence that hasn’t been written since 2008.
IndyCarOpen Wheel

Dale Coyne Racing adds Harvey, Braun and Siegel in split 2024 schedule

2 Mins read
After months of speculation, DCR announced its 2024 driver lineup on Tuesday, just three days before cars are on track for the first race of the IndyCar season.
IndyCarOpen Wheel

Marco Andretti returns to the #98 for 2024 Indy 500

1 Mins read
IndyCar veteran Marco Andretti will attempt to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 this year the same way he has for the past three: as a one-off affair with Andretti Global’s (formerly Andretti Autosport) #98 car.