Courtney tops pre-Donington test
James Courtney set the pace during testing at Donington Park on Thursday ahead of this weekend's second round of the British Formula 3 Championship with the Australian almost half a second clear of second-placed Bruce Jouanny
Carlin Motorsport's Courtney kept his head to put in a best time of 1m03.664s while Promatecme rival Jouanny managed to lap his Dallara-Mugen Honda in 1m04.65s during 61 laps.
Rob Austin impressed in third spot, with the Brit continuing to underline the potential of his Opel-powered Menu Motorsport Dallara. Heikki Kovalainen was fourth in his Fortec Dallara-Renault to make it three different engines in the top four.
Mark Taylor, who was fastest during Silverstone testing on Monday, had a more difficult day with engine problems and trip into the gravel. The Manor Motorsport ace finished the day fifth.
Japanese rookie Shinya Hosokawa rounded out the top six while team-mates Michael Keohane and Alan van der Merwe were eighth and ninth to make it all four Carlin cars in the top nine.
Team boss Trevor Carlin said: "We had a good day to get all four drivers in the top nine. It's nice to come here and be on the pace straight away."
Brands Hatch winner Robbie Kerr was a disappointing 12th after an off, while Manor Motorsport's Richard Antinucci was a lowly 21st due to a brake problem.
Clivio Piccione was fastest of the Scholarship runners in 10th place overall, with the Sweeney racing duo of Adam Carroll and Billy Asaro second and third in 13th and 16th.
The teams were met with dry conditions, but with wet weather forecast for the weekend, Saturday's qualifying session could throw up a few surprises.
James Courtney Carlin Motorsport Dallara-Mugen Honda 1m03.664s 54
Bruce Jouanny Promatecme Dallara-Mugen Honda 1m04.065s 61
Rob Austin Menu Motorsport Dallara-Opel 1m04.218s 68
Heikki Kovalainen Fortec Motorsport Dallara-Renault 1m04.258s 74
Mark Taylor Manor Motorsport Dallara-Mugen Honda 1m04.385s 42
Shinya Hososkawa Carlin Motorsport Dallara-Mugen Honda 1m04.453s 71
Ronnie Bremer Manor Motorsport 1m04.479s 74
Michael Keohane Carlin Motorsport Dallara-Mugen Honda 1m04.484s 52
Alan van der Merwe Carlin Motorsport Dallara-Mugen Honda 1m04.644s 79
Clivio Piccione T-Sport Dallara-Mugen Honda 1m04.645s 79laps (S)
(S) - Scholarship Class
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