Photo: GP3 Media Service
Valtteri Bottas became the second GP3 champion after winning the first of the two races at the Monza season finale and holding off teammate and title rival James Calado…
The Finn had begun the season as the favourite after his switch from the Formula 3 Euro Series, but he was very quiet in the first half of the season. After two weekends he had just six points to his name, 16 less than championship leader Nigel Melker. Two rounds later at the half way point after Silverstone, Bottas was 10th overall and 17 points off the lead.
His season turned around at the Nurburgring. After a podium in the first race he won the second. Victories in the Saturday races at Budapest, Spa and Monza followed, giving him four wins from just six races.
For next year, a move up to GP2 looks highly likely. Having raced for ART for the last three years he would no doubt like to make the step up with them, but that would depend on either Jules Bianchi or Esteban Gutierrez leaving the French team. If they don’t, the other teams should be queuing up to sign him.
He can also expect plenty of mileage for Williams, for whom he is reserve driver, at the young driver test at Abu Dhabi later this year.