Kimiya Sato converted his front row starting position for the second of the three Formula 3 Euro Series races at Zandvoort in the Netherlands into a first ever victory in the championship.
Gianmarco Raimondo began the race from pole position courtesy of finishing eighth in the first race of the weekend, but the Canadian could not make the most of his opportunity. He was passed by both Motopark Academy teammate Sato and Signature's Carlos Munoz. Munoz was later given a drive-through penalty for not lining up correctly in his grid box.
While Sato went on to clinch the victory, Raimondo came under pressure from Mucke's Felix Rosenqvist. The Swede was unable to find a way through though, allowing Raimondo to complete a 1-2 finish for Motopark.
“I am totally happy to win a Formula 3 Euro Series race,” said Sato afterwards. “After free practice and qualifying, I hadn't expected to be on the top step of the podium at the end of race two. My start was good and I had a good pace throughout the race.”
Raimondo said: “Finally being on the podium again is a great feeling, and even more so as it is my maiden podium finish in Formula 3. Gradually, our efforts are paying off, it is getting better and better.”
Rosenqvist benefited when teammate and Race 1 winner Nigel Melker was handed a drive-through for a jump start. Rosenqvist said: “My start was really good, I could gain two places right away. Moreover, I benefited from the two drive through penalties for Carlos and Nigel and thus moved up to third. Being on the podium for the second time today is really great. So far, this has been a great weekend for me.”
Points leader Roberto Merhi finished fourth for Prema, ahead of the Signature pairing of Laurens Vanthoor and Marco Wittmann. Merhi's teammate Daniel Juncadella was seventh, with Signature's Daniel Abt rounding out the top eight.
Race results after 13 laps:
1. Kimiya Sato Motopark 20m07.409s
2. Gianmarco Raimondo Motopark + 0.976s
3. Felix Rosenqvist Mucke + 1.441s
4. Roberto Merhi Prema + 2.061s
5. Laurens Vanthoor Signature + 3.310s
6. Marco Wittmann Signature + 3.721s
7. Daniel Juncadella Prema + 4.501s
8 Daniel Abt Signature + 6.572s
9. Jimmy Eriksson Motopark + 8.890s
10 Kuba Giermaziak Star + 14.812s
11. Nigel Melker Mucke + 16.292s
12. Carlos Munoz Signature + 33.980s
