Hitech GP moves to second in F3 championship after wins for Vips and Pulcini at Silverstone

The Hitech GP Formula 3 team moved to second in the championship standings after recording an impressive clean sweep of victories at Silverstone last weekend.

Having secured pole position for Saturday’s Race 1, Estonian driver Juri Vips completed a thrilling lights-to-flag victory after a race long battle with Prema’s Jehan Daravula to take the chequered flag.

Juri Vips celebrates victory in Race 1 at Silverstone ©FIA Formula 3

“If you watch the live stream then you will have seen [how close] it was,” commented Vips on the team’s official site. “I think four or five times we [Daravula] were side-by-side and it was a case of whoever brakes the latest gets the lead. I wasn’t going to let him by. Whenever we got side-by-side I had the inside – I released the brake and didn’t give him any real room, which I think was good racing – it was very close. He clearly had the better pace and it was just really, really hard work but in the end, very satisfying to keep him behind.”

Vips’ Silverstone victory backed up his impressive win at the Red Bull Ring and things got even better for Hitech GP in Race 2 after Vips’ teammate Leonardo Pulcini, who finished fourth in Race 1, bagged his maiden F3 victory, charging into the lead with only two laps remaining.

Leonardo Pulcini savours his maiden F3 victory ©FIA Formula 3

“It feels very good, especially after three difficult rounds,” said Pulcini afterward. “It’s also good for the team. We’ve had a double win this weekend so I’m very happy for them. They are working really hard, pushing really hard, and big thanks to them for giving me a fast car today. I had a good start and I felt very good, I was controlling a little bit and beginning with [Pedro] Piquet and [Liam] Lawson.

“When I saw they were struggling a little bit with tyres I decided to push hard and overtake them. After that I was just pushing to open a gap. As soon as I broke the gap for DRS I just controlled my tyres and it went very good at the end. To finish with my first podium of the year, especially with a win, it is a very good feeling. It came a little late but I hope that from now we just continue like this.”

Following the clean sweep of victories, Acronis partner team Hitech GP heads to the Hungaroring in Budapest now second to Prema Racing in the championship standings ahead of ART Grand Prix with four rounds remaining.

Leonardo Pulcini takes the chequered flag for Hitech GP in race 2 ©FIA Formula 3

Fraser Masefield

Sports news and features writer, web editor and author.