Motopark's F1 proteges close to F3 wins, says team boss Rumpfkeil

So far Motopark's quartet of drivers has taken eight podium finishes from the 12 races held, while Red Bull junior Sergio Sette Camara - the only non-rookie in the German team's line-up - set the fastest lap of the weekend last time out at the Red Bull Ring in the event's second race.

Joel Eriksson lost pole position for the first race to a track-limits penalty, while the other Red Bull driver Niko Kari and Ferrari's Guan Yu Zhou have also taken podiums this season.

"They all would have deserved to win a race so far, but somehow we have managed to get ourselves always in shitty situations," Rumpfkeil told Autosport.

"The package is very good, in qualifying and the race, and if any of them got a clear weekend they would definitely be in the top four and fighting for the win.

"Part of the reason is that the leading group is much closer than last year - there's more diversity.

"We knew from the beginning that with three rookies things like this would come, and results will come with more experience - I'm confident the win will come soon and it's for them to be patient."

Sette Camara, whose fastest lap came after he had thrown away a third-row grid position by stalling at the start, added: "I did what I should have done in qualifying.

"I've been having a good car all weekend but not getting things connected.

"I've not been using the opportunities I should have; I have to thank the team and Volkswagen - the engine is really talking loud here."

Motopark arrived at the Red Bull Ring a fortnight ago in turmoil after the truck carrying the cars of Sette Camara, Kari and Eriksson caught fire en route from the previous round at Pau.

Austrian Auto GP team Zele Racing came to the rescue to pick up the cars and equipment, while Blancpain GT squad Grasser Racing, which is based just a few miles from the track, allowed Motopark to use its workshop facilities.

"The biggest miracle for us is that we made the weekend," said Rumpfkeil.

"It was a big effort from all the guys to make this happen - it still smells like a barbecue in here and the cars look like garbage.

"All those distractions didn't help us have a good weekend."