Maximilian Günther secured his third victory of the FIA European Formula 3 Championship season in race three at Zandvoort on Sunday, and felt it was a perfect race for the Prema Powerteam driver.
Günther’s victory coupled with Nick Cassidy finishing second meant the team compiled three 1-2 finishes at the Dutch circuit across the weekend, and the German felt under complete control the whole way through the 23-lap event.
“That was just about as perfect a race as you could wish for,” reflected Günther. “The start was the key to success. I got off the mark really well from pole and entered the first corner as race leader.
“After that, I was able to set consistent lap times and also manage my tyres. Whenever my team-mate Nick got a little too close for comfort, I changed gear and controlled the pace at the front. I had the race under control at all times.
“Thanks to my guys at Prema for the perfect car! We notched up three one-two victories at Zandvoort. I am pleased to have supported the team in this.”
Günther secured a good haul of points in the opening two races of the weekend as well as he reduced Lance Stroll’s lead in the championship by 30 points, although he still remains 56 points adrift.
The German was satisfied to settle for second to team-mate Cassidy in race two, and coupled with his fourth place in race one was happy with his weekend’s work.
“Yes, it was close,” said Günther on his race two effort behind Cassidy. “But I’m very satisfied with second place. I got off to an excellent start and moved up from third to second position. I tried to put pressure on Nick, and in doing so set the fastest race lap.
“Overtaking is not easy at Zandvoort, so I just had to hope that he would make a mistake. It would have been stupid to take unnecessary risks. With second place as well as P4 in Race 1, I scored more vital points in the battle for the championship.
“It just goes to show how quickly the tide can turn when you have three races per weekend. Things have not been going at all badly for me recently – I’ve had at least one podium finish per race weekend. Lance was having slightly better luck, which allowed him to build up a lead in the championship.
“The fact that I have now reduced that deficit by 30 points gives me extra confidence. At the same time, I’ve managed to extend the gap to third place. Consistency is the key if you want to have a say in the title fight.”