Marco Wittmann claimed pole positions for both Rounds 13 and 15 of the Formula 3 Euro Series at the German driver’s local circuit, the Norisring.
The Signature driver, who lives just under 40 kilometres from the circuit, took to the street track and set the fastest and 2nd-fastest laptime of the Friday session, earning him pole position for Races 1 and 3. Wittmann crucially managed to register his times early on in the session as a mid-session shower disrupted many of his rivals’ attempts to take pole. By the time the track was dry enough to make use of slicks tyres again, there were but a few minutes remaining, and the cooler track temperatures assured Wittmann of his place at the top of the timesheets.
Marco was delighted with the result: “I was already fastest in the pre-event test and in qualifying, I was on top from the very beginning, too. After the brief shower, when all the drivers went out again, I also went out once more to be able to attack if necessary. Of course, I am very happy with the two pole-positions for first and third race. It couldn't have been better.”
Fellow country-man, and another local hero, Daniel Abt will also line up on the front row for Round 15 – the pair separated by just over a tenth of a second, Abt’s 2nd-fastest time warranted him 2nd place on Sunday afternoon, but will start in 4th place for Round 13.
But despite limited overall running-time on the circuit, Abt thought he could have overhauled Wittmann with a cleaner lap: “Conditions didn't seem to be perfect for me, because I didn't know the Norisring and I was only able to do 20 laps in the dry during the pre-event test. Nevertheless, I already had a feeling that this track could suit me when I came here. After my final lap, which wasn't entirely faultless, I didn't have the impression that it could still be enough for second place. Now, I think that I could have done even better. I could have beaten Marco's fastest time. Now, I will be giving him a hard time during the race.”
Carlos Muñoz qualified in 3rd, making Round 15 a Signature 1-2-3 – the Columbian will also start in 3rd place for Round 13 – less than 1/100th of a second behind Muñoz was championship leader Roberto Merhi, who’s quickest time was only good enough for 4th in Race 3, but the Spaniard’s 2nd-fastest time lifts him onto the front row for Race 1.
Prema Powerteam’s Daniel Juncadella will line up in 5th for both Rounds 13 and 15, whilst Lauren’s Vanthoor starts 6th and 8th respectively. Rookie Class driver Kuba Giermaziak put in a strong effort for Motopark, as the Polish driver lines up 8th for Race 1 and 7th for Race 3.
Full Results:
Race 1: http://www.f3euroseries.com/ergebnisse/2011-07-01-q1.pdf
Race 3: http://www.f3euroseries.com/ergebnisse/2011-07-01-q2.pdf
Race 1 (Round 13) Begins at 10:25 – Race 2 (Round 14) Begins at 16:15 – Race 3 (Round 15) Begins at 10:15 (All times CET)
