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Hartley Makes Impressive Formula 3 Debut
Hartley Makes Impressive Formula 3 Debut
Red Bull Junior Team driver Brendon Hartley has made an outstanding first impression on the Formula 3 fraternity after a stellar performance at one of the most renowned Formula 3 meetings in the world over the weekend: the annual Masters of Formula 3.
Narrowly missing out on the podium, Hartley placed 4th in a huge field of 36 cars in what was his first race in the Formula 3 class. The Masters is widely regarded as a showcase for talented up and coming racers who hope to step up to Formula 1, with current F1 points leader Lewis Hamilton winning the event in 2005.
17 year old Hartley was chosen by Red Bull to drive the car vacated by regular driver Sébastian Buemi, out on GP2 duty in Hungary.
"It has been awesome to compete against all these top F3 drivers and to experience the Formula 3 car with the extra down force and grip it provides," said Hartley.
Brendon returns home to New Zealand this week for a well earned two week break, before travelling to the Silverstone circuit in Britian where he will complete a rookie test in the Team New Zealand A1GP car.
The 17 year old will then head to Donnigton in Leicestershire to compete in the next round of the Eurocup series, which he currently leads.
Race details
Brendon surprised everyone with his speed and consistency throughout the competition, running in the top five or six in both practice sessions. He went into the final qualifying group and found himself at the top of the time sheets late in the session, until eventually dropping to finish up a superb 6th on the grid for Sunday's 28 lap event.
After pole setter Grosjean (FRA) stalled on the grid, the race to the chequered flag was lead by eventual winner Nico Hülkenburg (GER). Brendon soon established himself at the tail of a three car train and consistently equalled the leader's times. After several attempts he was unable to safely complete a pass on the car immediately in front, resulting in a fantastic 4th place.
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