Double amputee nabs podium finish on British F3 debut

Billy Monger

Billy Monger stole the headlines at Oulton Park today, with a podium finish on his racing comeback, less than a year after losing both lower legs in a British F4 accident.

Starting fifth on the grid, he held his position off the line and then took advantage of trouble ahead of him on the first lap to climb to third, a position he held for the remainder of the race.

He said: “It’s a bit surreal but an awesome feeling, even just to be back racing. The first people I’ve got to thank are all the boys at Carlin for getting me back behind the wheel, especially Grahame 'Chily' Chilton, everyone who has supported me, people like Jonathan Palmer, family and friends and everyone that supported me after my accident, without that support I wouldn’t have been out on the grid today, so it’s great to be back.

"If you had told me that I’d have been on the podium first race of the year, I would probably have said you were lying to me! It was awesome to be out there and BRDC British F3 is a tough championship to be in. To get out there and prove I’m competitive is more than I could have ever have asked for."

Monger at speed

Asked about his emotions as he crossed the line at the end of the race, he said: “I didn’t know what to think as I crossed the line, I didn’t even know it was the last lap! I didn’t get a last lap board so when I went over the line I saw the checkered flag, and it was a bit of a relief more than anything, that all the hard work that we had been putting in over the winter had finally paid off and it was a great way to reward the guys and girls to get it."

Billy is now turning his attentions to race two on Monday, which features a full reverse grid for the first time. He says: “It’s going to be interesting! I don’t know what the weather is going to be like, but it could be very dramatic! I’ve never done a full grid reverse before so I’ll just try and keep it on the road, make up as many places as I can early on. If I make up enough positions to earn good points, then great, if not I’ll aim for a solid race, and that’s all that matters."

Lundqvist “super happy" with maiden victory in Oulton opener

From left, Kjaergaard, Lundqvist and Monger

Double R Racing’s Linus Lundqvist held off a charging Nicolai Kjaergaard to clinch victory in the opening BRDC British F3 race of the year at Oulton Park.

The Swede's win means he is the early championship leader, and he admits it was the perfect way to start the year: “I can’t think of a better way to start the season and I’m super happy," he exclaimed afterwards.

The Swede made a great start to jump into the lead off the line, and then fought off the race long attentions of Kjaergaard to steal the early championship initiative: “I made a good start and managed to get by the pole sitter, Clement, and then Nicolai followed me quite closely throughout and put some pressure on me.

“I was determined to keep my head cool and not do any silly mistakes and managed to keep it clean throughout the race. Nicolai was constantly putting me under pressure, but it was great that he made me work for the win.

“He was quick, but around this circuit it is tricky to overtake and I sort of knew where I had to position my car to make it extra wide. I’m very excited about this win and to do it for the team after all they have been through is mega. We suffered a tragic loss during the winter, so I'd like to dedicate this win to our dear mechanic JJ. The entire team has been through a difficult time, but still somehow managed to keep the concentration and give me a car capable of winning races. This win is for them and JJ."

Lundqvist’s win now means he starts 16th on the grid for Monday’s race two under the new BRDC British F3 race two format, ahead of only retiree Clement Novalak. But Lundqvist is relishing the challenge: “Bring on race two, it’s going to be very exciting!"

Results (11 Laps)