George Russell extends lead in championship race after superb Silverstone drive
George Russell celebrates his race win on the podium. Picture: colm Griffiths/GP3 Media Service - Credit: Malcolm Griffiths
George Russell could hardly have wished for a better outcome from his home GP3 race, leaving Silverstone with a 35-point championship lead and full of confidence for the rest of the season.
George Russell jumps for joy after his victory at Silverstone. Picture: Jakob Ebrey/GP3 Media Service - Credit: LAT Images
'I came here with a lot of confidence and obviously the boost of having your family and friends here supporting me was great,' said the Mercedes Junior F1 racer. 'I'm glad I was able to put on a great show for them.'
Russell's weekend started perfectly when the Norfolk racer claimed pole position, his second of the series, and the all-important four additional championship points to lift him into the series lead.
The local racer made a solid start to the opening race but was beaten to the opening corner by ART team mate Anthoine Hubert.
'I quickly recognised that Anthoine was struggling a bit when the DRS (Drag Reduction System) became available and I nailed a couple of corners and was on the back of him and managed to take advantage,' explained Russell of his victory pass. However, Russell still had to manage a late race Virtual Safety Car period to ensure that he claimed a home win. 'I managed to nail the restart, however I feel Anthoine would have overtaken me if the VSC had finished 500 metres later,' admitted a relieved Russell.
George Russell wins race one at Silverstone. Picture: Malcolm Griffiths/GP3 Media Service - Credit: Archant
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With the top eight from race one reversed to form the grid for race two Russell had a stiff task ahead of him but he swiftly worked his way up to fourth place, just unable to make the podium, but did claim the additional points for setting the race's fastest lap to increase his grip on the title race.
In the early stages of the World Endurance Championship race held in Germany Alex Brundle looked to be heading for a podium finish in the #37 Jackie Chan DC Racing ORECA LMP2 prototype.
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Brundle and team mates Tristan Gommendy and David Cheng started the six-hour race at the Nurburgring from fifth on the grid with Brundle taking the first two stints to move into third place.
Gommendy then climbed to second behind the Jota run squad's lead car but just after half distance the crew slipped backwards with Cheng being hit from behind and on both sides while Brundle finished the six hour event to ensure a fifth place finish.
