Hitech’s Brits star in Pau European Formula 3
British team-mates Ben Barnicoat and George Russell both scored wins at the European F3 championship’s annual visit to the historic Pau street circuit.
A wet race one threw a spanner in the works but Barnicoat stormed through to take his second successive win in the series, despite being pressured by New Zealander Nick Cassidy. The Kiwi moved in as close as 1.1s, but Hitech GP driver Barnicoat pulled back away to finish 2.5s clear.
“Nick was definitely putting more pressure on me,” said Barnicoat. “It was a little bit more difficult, but on a track like this it was all about not making any errors and keeping it on the circuit.”
Russell – who could only manage fourth position in the first race – came to the fore in the second encounter.
The track was ready for slicks by the second race and Russell made the most of his dry inside line from pole to establish a lead away from the line.
Two safety car periods followed but the 18-year-old held on ahead of the Red Bull backed Sergio Sette Camara to end his winless stretch.
In race three, Russell clipped a barrier and picked up a slow puncture, which ruined his charge for victory.
He held on to a third-placed finish in the final race of the day. Barnicoat could only manage 11th after pitting under an early safety car.
Carlin’s Alessio Lorandi won the encounter.