The Italian made a perfect start and set a searing pace in the weekend’s first race; he made no mistakes and gradually opened up a gap over his immediate pursuers Alexander Sims (ThreeBond with T-Sport) and Felix Rosenqvist. Marciello’s eighth win of the season has given him a little breathing space at the head of the FIA Formula 3 European Championship’s overall classification as he now has a lead of 34.5 points. 

 

“When the car is quick and nice to drive it makes things easier,” smiled the FIA Formula 3 European Championship leader. “I gave the situation an in-depth analysis during the break, and if Felix has closed the gap in the last few races, it’s never been because of a lack of performance except perhaps at the Norisring, which is a pretty special track. Since the start of the weekend it’s all been going like clockwork for us. I made a perfect start, which is often the key to victory. I know that Felix will be quick at Zandvoort as he’s already won there this season so I have to make the difference here.” 

 

Alexander Sims created the day’s sensation by finishing second. He was back in Formula 3 to show the competitiveness of the ThreeBond with T-Sport car powered by a ThreeBond Nissan engine. “Last year I won a race here, but it was with the reversed grid so my second place this morning is even better for myself and my team,” explained the British driver. “The T-Sport package is very quick and I’d like to score a victory for them, but it’ll be difficult in the other two races as I’m starting from further back. Congratulations to Raffaele as he was uncatchable in this heat.”  

 

Although Rosenqvist, who finished third, lost ten points to Marciello, he is still in the battle for the title. “The start is crucial for victory and I fluffed mine,” sighed the Swede. “My reactions time was good and then I almost stalled. I’m a bit angry with myself but I have to make do with the points for third. We’ll have to find that little extra tweak to beat Raffaele this weekend. But this meeting won’t decide championship. The driver who’s the most consistent at the end of the season will win it. “  

 

Behind these three, Jordan King (Carlin) confirmed his current excellent form by finishing fourth in front of Lucas Auer (Prema Powerteam) and Luis Felipe Derani (Fortec Motorsports). Michael Lewis (kfzteile24 Mücke Motorsport) had his best race of the season so far by finishing seventh. Felix Serralles (Fortec Motorsports), Daniil Kvyat (Carlin) and Sven Müller (ma-con) rounded out the top 10 in the first heat of the weekend at the Nüburgring.