Norris takes first victory of the season in BRDC Formula 3

Lando Norris took Carlin’s first BRDC Formula 3 victory this afternoon at a wet Snetterton circuit.  The 16 year-old led from lights to flag to take the win by 19 seconds and also claimed the fastest lap.  Ricky Collard endured a difficult start and crossed the line fourth but was later relegated to fifth, while Ameya Vaidyanathan had an eventful race and crossed the line 15th.

After a dry qualifying session this morning torrential rain showers ensured the Snetterton circuit was wet ahead of the first race of the season.  Taking to the track on wet tyres, the drivers completed two green flag laps to acquaint themselves with the slippery conditions.  Norris headed the field in pole position, with team mate Collard alongside and Vaidyanathan 19th.

As the lights went out Norris made a strong start, while Collard bogged down a little in the run into the first corner, finding himself squeezed and fighting with Toby Sowery.  With nowhere to go, Collard dropped back to fourth behind Sowery and Enaam Ahmed.  Vaidyanathan meanwhile did well to avoid a slow starting car ahead and managed to make up four positions on lap one.

At the front and free from spray, Norris had already built up a gap of five seconds on lap two, which increased to over seven seconds by lap three, with Collard also showing strong pace and passing back Ahmed for third.  Vaidyanathan was running in 16th from his 19th place starting position.

Norris continued to build up a comfortable gap while Collard also closed on second placed man Sowery.  Vaidyanathan meanwhile was still making up positions and was 14th on lap five.

On a charge to catch the second placed man, Collard locked up which sent him straight on at the hairpin and allowed Ahmed back through once more.  Vaidyanathan was also involved in some close racing and had dropped to 16th.

Norris continued to control proceedings from the front, setting purple sectors and extending his lead, crossing the line an impressive 19 seconds ahead of second placed Sowery.  A frustrated Collard wasn’t able to show his front row pace and crossed the line fourth while Vaidyanathan was 15th.

Collard was later deemed to have caused contact with Sowery in the opening lap of the race and was handed a five second penalty and was classified fifth.  With a top eight reverse grid for race two tomorrow, Norris will start eighth, Collard fourth and Vaidyanathan 15th.

Speaking about his race, Norris said, “I’m really happy to start the season off with a win.   I concentrated on making a good start and then building a gap and not making any mistakes.  The reverse grid race will be interesting but I know we will be fast whatever the conditions so I’m looking forward to it.”

Trevor Carlin added, “After a winter of hard work I’m delighted to see the team rewarded with a win in our first race with the BRDC car and it goes without saying that Lando drove the perfect race today.  I don’t think we saw Ricky’s full potential today so I’m looking forward to seeing what he and the rest of the team can do in the remaining races tomorrow.”