Motorsports Mondial

Mortara’s Mistral Moment.

The 2010 F3 Euro Series season got off to a fast start for Italian driver Edoardo Mortara, man who won the prestigious Macau Grand Prix last year. The VW-powered Signature driver started from row three, and was already behind pole-sitter and race leader Daniel Juncadella before the opening lap was over.

Mortara made his move on lap four to snatch the lead from the Spanish driver, and was able to stay in front despite coming under pressure late in the race from his German teammate Marco Wittmann.

British driver Alexander Sims sailed past Juncadella with three laps remaining to reach the podium in third place.

Finn Valtteri Bottas, now in his second season while al rving as Williams test driver, was given a drive through penalty for not lining up correctly on the starting grid.

The F3 Euro Series, result of marriage between the French and German F3 Championships, has seen rift in the family after the formation of GP3 Championship. Only 13 drivers are entered in the championship this year. Previous graduates include Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Nico Hulkenberg.

— Nasir Hameed

    Le Castellet regards.