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.
