Abu Dhabi GP3: Toro Rosso-bound Daniil Kvyat clinches title
Future Toro Rosso Formula 1 driver Daniil Kvyat proved his graduation was richly deserved by sealing the 2013 GP3 title in the first Abu Dhabi race
Racing under the lights, a first for GP3, MW Arden racer Kvyat led from start to finish from pole position to record a dominant 4.6-second victory over Carlin duo Alexander Sims and Nick Yelloly.
With erstwhile points leader Facu Regalia coming home seventh on the road, Kvyat had already done enough to be crowned champion before Regalia was dumped to 16th for ignoring yellow flags and exceeding track limits after a wild drive.
Conor Daly pulled off a fine move on Patric Niederhauser at Turn 2 on lap five to grab fourth, and chased Yelloly to the finish line.
Niederhauser failed to finish after a clash with Carlos Sainz Jr on the curving straight towards Turn 11 broke his steering and sent Sainz into a wild spin.
Jack Harvey finished fifth, ahead of series debutant Dean Stoneman, Tio Ellinas, Patrick Kujala, the recovering Sainz and Dino Zamparelli.
Results - 14 laps: Pos Driver Team Time/Gap 1. Daniil Kvyat MW Arden 29m40.145s 2. Alexander Sims Carlin +4.677s 3. Nick Yelloly Carlin +7.053s 4. Conor Daly ART +7.411s 5. Jack Harvey ART +8.333s 6. Dean Stoneman Koiranen +14.900s 7. Tio Ellinas Manor +18.235s 8. Patrick Kujala Koiranen +26.882s 9. Carlos Sainz Jr MW Arden +32.830s 10. Dino Zamparelli Manor +33.215s 11. Robert Visoiu MW Arden +34.100s 12. Giovanni Venturini Trident +34.781s 13. Kevin Korjus Koiranen +35.528s 14. Alex Fontana Jenzer +36.041s 15. Emanuele Zonzini Trident +36.045s 16. Facu Regalia ART +36.957s 17. Robert Cregan Trident +38.133s 18. Adderly Fong Status +39.707s 19. Luis Sa Silva Carlin +40.829s 20. Alice Powell Bamboo +41.277s 21. Ryan Cullen Manor +44.591s 22. Josh Webster Status +49.911s 23. Samin Gomez Jenzer +1m30.470s 24. Jimmy Eriksson Status +1 lap Retirements: Carmen Jorda Bamboo 4 laps Patric Niederhauser Jenzer 0 laps
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| Series | FIA F3 |
| Author | Charles Bradley |
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