Jones secures fantastic second place podium position
Ed Jones graced the FIA Formula Three European Championship podium this afternoon following a fantastic and assured race to second position in Hockenheim, Germany. The Carlin driver, embarking on only his first season in the FIA Formula Three European Championship, had a lightening start from third on the grid to snatch second position. Driving well Jones held his nerve despite a safety car period and pressure from drivers behind to clinch his first podium finish in the series.
After a strong qualifying yesterday afternoon, 2013 European F3 Open Champion Jones lined up third on the grid ahead of the opening race of the weekend. As the lights extinguished Jones reacted in the fastest way possible and was able to pass Antonio Giovinazzi for second position – and a provisional step on the podium.
In this position near the front Jones was able to stay out of trouble as those behind him became involved in a number of incidents resulting in the deployment of the safety car. This gave him the opportunity to latch on to the back on Lucas Auer as the race restarted. However, Auer was quick to once again pull away as the race resumed leaving Jones to sit unchallenged in second place.
By the end of the 14th lap the UAE based driver came under a little bit of pressure from Esteban Ocon in the Prema Powerteam car but remained where he was. After a mistake-free, calm and focused race Jones came home to take the chequered flag in second. This fantastic result meant that he has now graced the podium in his debut season in the championship.
Reflecting on his result Jones said, ‘It’s been a very strong weekend for us so far here in Germany; we could tell yesterday that the pace was there after our good qualifying and once again the team made sure I had the car under me to race with.
‘It did get a little close with Esteban [Ocon] towards the end of the race but I didn’t feel threatened for the position. It’s a nice feeling to be on the podium and I’m hoping that now we can replicate and continue the success that we have had this weekend.’
Ed will be back on track for a second qualifying session on Saturday afternoon which will set the grid for two further races which will take place on Sunday.