Pietro Fantin Rockingham event summary

Pietro Wins At Rockingham

Pietro Fantin

Photo by: Daniel James Smith

Pietro Fantin’s British F3 dreams came true this weekend as he notched up 2 pole positions, a podium and his first ever victory in the series. He was also awarded the Sunoco Driver of the Weekend for his performances.

Rockingham proved a successful hunting ground for the Brazilian driver and on Saturday morning he was more than happy after bagging his first ever pole positions; the rest of the weekend just made things even better.

“I cannot put into words just how happy I am after this weekend. The pole positions were amazing and if that was all I had managed then I would still have gone home pleased as even that result was new for me.

Although this is my first season in British F3 so everything is new for me!” said the 19 year old.

In race 1 Pietro started from pole but lost the lead to fellow countryman Felipe Nasr at the start. Nasr was given a drive through penalty and the Hitech Racing driver regained the lead and went on to claim his maiden victory.

Race 2 on Sunday was a wash out and Pietro, who started 8th , struggled in the conditions with the car. After some changes to suit his style, it was time for Race 3 and Pietro was back on pole for only the 2nd time in his career. Breathing down his neck were 6 Carlin cars including his good friend Felipe Nasr who was trying to claim the title. Pietro dropped to 3rd position at turn 1 but as the race progressed and after 2 safety cars, Nasr ran wide and Pietro passed for 2nd. Kevin Magnussen won with Pietro just 0.7 seconds behind as they took the chequered flag but it was Nasr in 3rd who became the Cooper Tires British F3 Championship winner.

“Felipe winning the title is great. He is a good friend and to be on the podium with him when he won the title was really nice. It has been a great weekend for Brazil, for me and I leave Rockingham happier than I can put into words.

The next round is at Donington Park 24-25 September.