Lewis Hamilton (ASM F3, Dallara-Mercedes) has won the 18th round of the 2005 Formula 3 Euro Series, held at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz. For the 20-year old Britain who has already secured the 2005 drivers’ title, today’s triumph represented his 13th win in the 2005 season. Paul di Resta (Manor Motorsport, Dallara-Mercedes) and Adrian Sutil (ASM F3, Dallara-Mercedes) finished second and third respectively. For the German, this third place was enough to secure the runner-up position in the world’s most competitive young gun championship.

Lewis Hamilton passed pole-sitter Paul di Resta right at the start and succeeded in opening a gap right away. From this point in time, Hamilton controlled the field at any time and his 13th win in the season was never at risk. At the end of the 20-lap race, the 20-year old crossed the line 5.804 seconds ahead of the runner-up, Paul di Resta. While Franck Perera (Prema Powerteam, Dallara-Opel), the third on the grid, went off the track already in the very first corner of the race at the 3.442-kilometre EuroSpeedway, went over the grass and had to settle for sixth place. At the same time, Adrian Sutil made a great start from his fifth grid position and when he crossed the line at the end of lap one he was already third: a position he defended until the race was over. For the 22-year old, it was his eleventh podium finish in the 2005 season and enough to early secure the runner-up position in the championship.

Lewis Hamilton (ASM F3): “This race was big fun, although it wasn’t as thrilling as yesterday’s. I knew that a good start would be crucial as I was aware that Paul di Resta would be very fast, in the race. And when I was in the lead, I succeeded in finishing the race in controlled style.”

Paul di Resta (Manor Motorsport): “It’s great to be back on the podium. My start wasn’t too good, hence, Lewis had the chance of passing me in turn one. Afterwards, he was just too fast.”

Adrian Sutil (ASM F3): “To have finished runner up in the Formula 3 Euro Series championship represents the biggest success in my motor racing career so far and I’m truly delighted with this success. Today’s race was rather boring as I had no chance of closing in on Lewis and Paul and there was nobody pressurising me from behind.”

Track temperature: 16.6º C
Air temperature: 13.4º C