Lance Stroll edged one step closer to the FIA European Formula 3 Championship title after a near-perfect weekend at the Nurburgring, where he took two victories and a second place in the three races.
The Canadian Prema Powerteam driver also took two of the three available pole positions, and was a part of a trio of 1-2 finishes with German team-mate Maximilian Günther, who remains his closest rival in the championship, albeit 68 points behind.
Stroll led from start to finish in race one on Saturday before passing Günther for the race two victory later the same day, but was unable to repeat the feat in race three, eventually falling a handful of seconds adrift of his team-mate at the chequered flag.
“It’s been a good weekend in terms of championship points with two victories and a second place but there is still work to be done at Imola,” said Stroll. “We were immediately on the pace on Friday in the opening practice sessions and almost had a clean sweep of ‘poles’ but just missed out for Race 3.
“The opening race wasn’t too exciting but that’s the way we like it. My start was good as was my pace – the car was fantastic – and I was able to back off halfway through.
“Race 2 wasn’t as straight forward as Maxi [Günther] beat me away but I caught him and was quicker generally. I had a good run going in to the chicane and took the lead in a nice clean manoeuvre as it was important I didn’t jeopardize either of our races.
“I struggled with the rear tyres in Sunday’s race, although they were ‘old’ tyres I’d not suffered that before to that extent so we’ll need to look at the data.”
Stroll now heads to Imola at the beginning of October with one eye on clinching the title, and will do so if he leaves the Italian circuit with a lead of 75 points or more.
“Decent points this weekend but this latest success doesn’t make me complacent heading to Italy,” said Stroll. “My goal this year isn’t finished until I win the F3 title.”