SIMS FINISHES RUNNER-UP AT F3 MASTERS

Alexander Sims earned yet more silverware at Zandvoort on Sunday, in front of 43,000 spectators after finishing in second place during the 20th staging of Europe’s biggest and most prestigious stand-alone Formula 3 race, the RTL GP Masters. S

etting the pace throughout the weekend at the Dutch venue, the Team UK driver was most definitely the man to beat having headed the opening practice session on Saturday and then going on to secure pole position. Rain before the start of the race caused a potential headache for the drivers and teams regarding tyre choice but Alexander made, what would eventually turn out to be, the right call by opting to run slicks.

“I’m pretty disappointed with the outcome but the weekend as a whole wasn’t too bad”, said the BRDC Superstar, “All day on Saturday was very good for us, we were fast in the practice and in both qualifying sessions we managed to be quickest. That was particularly pleasing as we have struggled a bit with qualifying this year, this weekend we turned that around.

“For the race, the first few of us started on slicks but I lost out to Merhi and Juncadella when they came through on the wets – Juncadella pushing me wide and allowing Bottas through. Looking back, perhaps I was a little bit too cautious on the slicks. The major positive to take away with us is regarding our qualifying performance, we need to transfer that to the F3 Euroseries now.” He added: “All I can ask of myself is my best and that's what I gave. This time the conditions did not help me at the front as the drivers behind are able to judge the limit when they can see someone ahead trying things as well. It’s the way it goes but I’m fired up to put the result right at Norisring.”

Next on the agenda for Alexander will be the resumption of his 2010 Formula 3 Euroseries title bid, rounds seven and eight, which will take place at the Norisring in Germany on 3rd/4th July. Heading into the event, the Cambridgeshire racer is joint fourth in the championship standings.