Czech driver Roman Stanok wins second place in both Formula 3 races at the Belgian Grand Prix. He loses only ten points to the tournament leader.
The 18-year-old driver is going through a major season in his career. If he can break into the series’ top drivers final this year in his third season, he has a chance to advance to Formula 2 and pursue his Formula 1 dream. Otherwise, his career could come to an end as well.
On the famous circuit at Spa-Francorchamps, Valasque national Mezecchi showed he can fight, and for the first time ever stood on the podium in both races held as part of every F3 Grand Prix.
In Saturday’s sprint, the Trident stable rider was only eighth at the start, but by the time the checkered flag was waved at the race’s finish line, which had been interrupted by a serious accident, he was able to move six places forward.
After winning the main race at Imola and second place in the main race in Barcelona, he added his third podium finish this year. At the same time, he scored the maximum for this year in sprints.
“Honestly, there is no secret behind this progress. I just ‘rammed the clutch,'” says our team manager, and drove as hard as I could. The red flag helped us because we could improve the car setup. Then I was able to, after the race, said Stanek.
But it wasn’t the last word from the young rider at Spa-Francorchamps. He once again showed good progress in the main race on Sunday with a mandatory tire change. This time it was from fifth to second place.
“It’s not a win, but I honestly feel that I did a great job. The team’s performance was also perfect, when they were able to put all three cars in the top five. We will work now to make sure I can be at the top in Zandvoort.” Stanek declared with confidence.
The Czech rider suddenly became coveted for the title. In a balanced championship, he is only ten points behind the French leader, Ishak Hajjar, in fifth place. The last two racing weekends are missing before the end of the season: at Zandvoort in the Netherlands and Monza in Italy.
