British pairing Will Buller and Jordan took a race apiece at Spa-Francorchamps today, as the second round of the British F3 Series got under way.
In wet conditions, Buller opened his victory account for the season with a clean and clever driver in the first race of the day.
From 7th on the grid, Buller made a lightning start jumping to 2nd by the exit of La Source. With only Nicholas Latifi ahead, the Northern Irish racer latched onto the Carlin racer through Eau Rouge, eventually sweeping by the poleman. Thereafter Buller was never challenged, although his lead over the chasing pack rarely grew beyond a five seconds.
King claimed 2nd, despite an indifferent start. The 19-year-old was 5th after the opening tour, although the Englishman would soon busy himself chipping at the rear of Latifi, Jann Mardenborough and Sean Gelael, before dialling a way through the trio.
Gelael would take the final podium place, but only after a monumental accident wiped out Latifi and Mardenborough. The pair collided in Eau Rouge on the final lap, when Mardenborough made a move on his Canadian rival, following a slight error by the latter.
The clash propelled Mardenborough over Latifi rear wheel, turning his Carlin machine upside-down. For his part, Latifi’s car hit the barriers hard, destroying his Volkswagen-powered entry and bringing out a late safety car. Both drivers emerged unhurt from their respective wrecks.
Tatiana Calderon assumed 4th ahead of Double R teammate Antonio Giovinazzi, after Giovinazzi was forced to pit to change a rear light. Next up was National Class winner Zheng Sun, who headed Jordan Oon and Chris Vlok.
King took the second race of the day in slightly drier conditions. Starting from 7th place, the Carlin driver slithered up the order to be 3rd coming through Blanchimont, and grabbing 2nd from Calderon just before the line.
After a period pressing Giovinazzi for the lead, King rushed through on Giovinazzi, storming into the lead on the sixth tour. Will Buller was through into the 2nd spot soon after, catching and pressing King in the process; however the County Down man could do little to upset King’s rhythm.
Giovinazzi settled for a podium place ahead of Calderon, who herself ran in the top three for a time. Gelael wrapped up a good day by finishing 5th, up on Mardenborough while Felipe Guimarraes took a lonely 7th, despite starting last.
Zheng Sun again took the National Class win, a solid distance clear of Jordan Oon and Chris Vlock.
The final race of the weekend takes place tomorrow.
