Robert Wickens won the final race of the inaugural GP3 Series season at Monza, after making a strong start to take control of the race.
The race required a second formation lap after original polesitter Nigel Melker stalled just before the lights went out. The Dutchman was sent to the back of the grid, handing Josef Newgarden the front row all to himself.
Wickens made a blistering start to move from sixth to second, with Newgarden bogging down and being passed by Roberto Merhi, Mirko Bortolotti and Wickens. Wickens passed Merhi for the lead at the exit of the first chicane, and remained there until the end of the race.
Bortolotti found a way past Merhi for second, while Nico Muller also passed the Spaniard to complete the podium. Champion Esteban Gutierrez was lining up for a pass on Merhi when he spun at the Parabolica, stalling and retiring from the race.
Merhi finished in fourth, with Newgarden in fifth. A three-way fight for the final point in sixth between MW Arden drivers Miki Monras, Leonardo Cordiero and Status GP's Daniel Morad ended with Monras coming out on top.
Wickens' win ensured he finished as runner-up in the series, with Muller third in the standings. ART wrapped the teams' championship up back at Spa, with Wickens helping Status to second, with Muller's Jenzer Motorsport team finishing third.
Although disappointed to have missed out on the title, Wickens was pleased with his season's work. “Going into the last race I was realistic. I was aiming for the championship this weekend but what are the odds of Esteban not scoring anything again. I was let down after qualifying as I would have like to have taken it to a race but to end the year as we did I can't complain. The team did a fantastic job and I'm pretty sure we were the only car to finish every lap so that's something the whole team can be proud of. It was a fantastic year!”
The next time the GP3 teams can be seen in action will be at a three-day test at Estoril on 13th-15th October.
