McKee achieves maiden GP3 win in Nurburgring Race 2

McKee (C), Sims (L), and Yelloly (R)

Eight races, eight different victors! Melville McKee made a great start to the race, straight into the lead and held off immense pressure from Status Grand Prix’s Alexander Sims until the checkered flag in a nail-biting conclusion. Brit’ McKee and his team both celebrate their debut win in the category. Nick Yelloly (Carlin) was third.

Reverse pole-sitter Sims, stepping in at Status Grand Prix for a one-off round, lost several places at the start, with McKee sneaking into the lead. Carlos Sainz (MW Arden) made a great start, as did Yelloly, with four abreast going into Turn 1. ART Grand Prix’s Jack Harvey tried a move on the outside of the first turn but contact was made with Sainz, which dropped the Brit’ down to P10.

After a perfect Saturday, Race 1 winner Facu Regalia failed to get away from the pre-grid and had to start from the pitlane instead of his original P8, the Argentine retiring at the midway point.

McKee pulled a one second advantage with Yelloly close in pursuit after passing Sims early on. Lewis Williamson (Bamboo Engineering) also got the better of Sainz moving up into P4, with Tio Ellinas charging hard, moving ahead of his Marussia Manor Racing teammate Dino Zamparelli after the British driver ran wide.

There were close battles throughout the field with the dice for P8 and the final points position. Conor Daly (ART Grand Prix) held the vital points spot with Patric Niederhauser (Jenzer Motorsport) and Harvey trying everything they could to find a way through.

Sims was on a mission at the midway point as he made of ease of passing Yelloly who was struggling with his tires, as he set his sights on P1. The last few laps the Status Grand Prix driver reeled McKee in and was within half a second of him on the final lap. Niederhauser was desperately trying to make a successful move on Daly and on the final lap, the Swiss driver passed the American to collect the final point on offer.

McKee had his mirrors full with Sims in the final moments, even on the final corner, the Status Grand Prix tried to find a way through but the young rookie had it covered and raced home to collect the checkered flag first topping off a brilliant day for Bamboo Engineering. Sims and Yelloly took joined him on the rostrum with Williamson, Sainz, Ellinas, Zamparelli and Niederhauser completing the top eight.

Ellinas extends his lead in the Drivers’ Standings with none of his main rivals scoring points in Race 2. The Cypriot is on 91, with Regalia on 72. Korjus, Harvey and Daly are on 59, 57 and 52 respectively. ART Grand Prix hold a large advantage in the Teams Standings on 181, ahead of Koiranen GP on 103 and MW Arden on 99.

Round 5 of the Series will take place in three weeks’ time as the paddock travel to Budapest, Hungary 26-28 July.

Nurburgring – Race 2

Fastest Lap : Melville McKee – Bamboo Engineering : 1 :46.938 on lap 2