FIA F3 European Championship
Spa-Francorchamps, R3
F3 has never really had a reputation for particularly entertaining racing ? the downforce-heavy machinery just doesn’t lend itself too well to lots of overtaking.
In that regard, European F3’s 2014 season was actually a lot better than expected, with a fair number of memorable races to choose from. But, despite featuring the likes of Pau, Norisring and Imola, perhaps nowhere was the series better than at the revered Spa-Francorchamps venue.
Esteban Ocon came into the round with a massive lead in the points, but found both himself and everyone else on the grid overshadowed by rookie Max Verstappen in the first two races.
As such, race three was a big one ? not just in terms of championship momentum, but milestones. Ocon, who lined up on pole, did not have a single winless round to his name and was looking to rectify that. Verstappen, fifth on the grid, had his sights set on the first hat-trick of the season.
But, into turn one, it was Swede John Bryant-Meisner who led, having pulled off a smoother getaway from Ocon. Right behind, Verstappen was spectacular, nicking third in a four-wide move.
Bryant-Meisner held the lead until Blanchimont, before Ocon got back around. But, next time on the Kemmel Straight, while the Frenchman was blocking the Swede, Verstappen came round the outside to steal first place.
While four hungry drivers were right behind Ocon and Verstappen at that point, ready to pounce on the smallest mistake, the rest of the race was pretty much about FIA F3’s top rookies. On lap three, Ocon tried to move over on Verstappen and the cars made contact, resulting, thankfully, in no damage and a warning for the Frenchman as Verstappen held the lead.
Two laps later, Ocon finally dived past Verstappen, only for the Dutchman to pull off another crazy move round the outside of Les Combes, retaining first.
Ocon tried on lap seven and lap eight, but to no avail, while, behind the duo, Felix Serralles and Gustavo Menezes were trading blows for third place.
As Ocon started easing off, a safety car followed when Felipe Guimaraes was punted into a spin at La Source, giving the Frenchman another chance. But Verstappen held firm and crossed the checkered flag to record a hat-trick. With Ocon second, Menezes stole third from Serralles on the final lap.
A classic, no doubt, the race also proved significant for the championship ? a week later, Verstappen delivered another hat-trick. But Ocon did eventually rebound with a triple victory of his own at Moscow and was champion in the end.
Valentin Khorounzhiy