Chilton takes first F3 win in Portugal

15th September 2009

Max drove to his first International class victory at the weekend, winning the second of the British F3 series races at the demanding Algarve circuit.

He had made the most of his fantastic pace around the undulating Algarve track, taking his 4th pole position of the season in qualifying, then recovered from losing places at the start of the second race and came through to head the International class runners across the line.

The Portuguese rounds had included drivers from the Euroseries and although Max finished 3rd on track behind the Invitational class entries, he had fought his way up to lead the British F3 championship class, and crossed the line to take his first victory in the series.  It was a well earned win and with Max still only 18 years-old, one of the youngest drivers ever to achieve the feat.

“It’s great to have finally done it,” he said. “It’s a shame it’s not an outright win, but it’s still important for me. The team gave me a great car this weekend and I’m happy to have given them the result they deserve as well as for me.”

The Series’ top British racer, he had been the quickest and most consistent driver in qualifying in Portugal, putting his Carlin Motorsport run Dallara Volkswagen on the front row for Sunday’s first race as well. Caught out by an irregular start procedure and dropping down the field to 10th place on the opening lap, Max nevertheless used his superior speed to get up to 6th place on the road, 4th in the British championship class, by the end of the race.

Max had enjoyed the series’ first visit to the Algarve circuit and it was that performance in qualifying that gave him the confidence to eventually record his first victory as he explained;

“I was so pleased with that session in particular; the car felt very good and I think I really got everything together on my best lap.  It was a really good feeling. I was then in a great position for both the races, with two opportunities to go for a race win, so I was confident I could do it.”

Carlin Team principal Trevor Carlin added, “Max delivered his best performance of the season today, he totally outclassed the field.”

The final rounds of this year’s championship take place this coming weekend on the equally demanding Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit. Max will be aiming to end the F3 season on a high by repeating his winning performance from Portugal.

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