Grosjean wins race one at Nogaro
Romain Grosjean further extended his lead in the Formula Three Euro Series with victory in the first of the weekend's races at Nogaro
Grosjean was pursued throughout the race by ASM teammate Kamui Kobayashi, and the Japanese driver came close to snatching the lead when a rain shower made conditions treacherous at two-thirds distance.
But Grosjean's defence was firm and the tight and twisty circuit provided little chance for Kobayashi to attack. The track quickly dried again and the championship leader reaffirmed his cushion.
"It was tricky when it rained because when you are leading you never know how much grip there is," said Grosjean. "I was just really careful because I can't afford a mistake and fortunately it dried quickly and I was faster again."
Grosjean's chief title rival Sebastien Buemi was always going to struggle to make up ground after qualifying fifth. He beat Yelmer Buurman off the line to take fourth but could do no more than follow Nico Hulkenberg for the rest of the race.
Although it is mathematically possible for Grosjean to clinch the title with victory in the second race tomorrow, he will start eighth on a circuit where overtaking opportunities are rare.
Pos Driver Car/Engine Time
1. Romain Grosjean Dallara/Mercedes 40:43.144
2. Kamui Kobayashi Dallara/Mercedes +0.484
3. N.Hulkenberg Dallara/Mercedes +1.434
4. Sebastien Buemi Dallara/Mercedes +2.329
5. Yelmer Buurman Dallara/Mercedes +3.040
6. Edoardo Mortara Dallara/Mercedes +5.496
7. Franck Mailleux Dallara/Mercedes +7.566
8. Jean-Karl Vernay Dallara/Mercedes +18.930
9. Yann Clairay Dallara/Mercedes +19.545
10. H.Schlegelmilch Dallara/Mercedes +23.043
11. Maximilian Gotz Dallara/Volkswagen +23.722
12. Dani Clos Dallara/Mercedes +24.271
13. Filip Salaquarda Dallara/Mercedes +24.915
14. J.Summerton Dallara/Volkswagen +26.030
15. Tim Sandtler Dallara/Mercedes +28.195
16. R.van der Zande Dallara/Mercedes +29.041
17. Edoardo Piscopo Dallara/Mercedes +29.835
18. James Jakes Dallara/Mercedes +35.194
19. Sergei Afanasiev Dallara/Mercedes +39.891
20. Cyndie Allemann Dallara/Mercedes +43.031
21. Marco Holzer Dallara/Volkswagen +1:05.636
22. Euan Hankey Dallara/Mercedes +1 lap
23. Basil Shaaban Dallara/Mercedes +1 lap
24. Tom Dillmann Dallara/Mercedes +5 laps
Not classified
Michael Patrizi Dallara/Mercedes 19 laps
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