Shwartzman grabs shock title

A SENSATIONAL FINISH TO THE New Zealand Grand Prix at Manfeild resulted in the Toyota Racing Series title changing hands simultaneously between three drivers.

Richard Verschoor (right) had taken the lead from Marcus Armstrong with a daring move on the Kiwi at the start of the 31st lap of 35, but second place was still good enough for Armstrong to claim the crown. That was until Taylor Cockerton parked by the track with an engine problem, and that led to a safety car and a one-lap sprint to the chequered flag.

At the restart, Armstrong’s car dropped into safe mode, and he limped to the chequered flag in seventh position. That would have been enough for ex-red Bull Junior Verschoor – who won the race – to clinch the title. But Armstrong’s fellow Ferrari protege Robert Shwartzman had slipped past Charles Milesi to take second place at the restart, and the extra points sent honours in the Russian’s direction.

Verschoor – playing catch-up in the points after a non-finish in the opening round – had won the weekend’s opening race from Shwartzman and Clement Novalak, with Armstrong fifth.

Brendon Leitch won the reversedgrid race from Novalak, Verschoor, Shwartzman and Armstrong.