Louis Sharp, Gerrard Xie and John Bennett were the top-three finishers in the first GB3 Championship race of the weekend at Donington Park. Here's how each driver reacted at the end of the contest.
Winner, Louis Sharp, Rodin Motorsport
“It was a good race, obviously Tymek [Kucharczyk] was pushing quite hard behind, he was definitely fast, but a lights to flag win. It wasn’t easy but I’m really happy to get it done and obviously with this point in the year in terms of the championship it’s a crucial win and really can’t ask for a better day one here at Donington.
“Obviously I need to keep a small eye on what’s going on, but end of the day I just need to do what I can myself and if I can perform and get good results every time it’ll kind of come together. Although I need to keep a close eye on them I’m just focusing on myself at the moment.”
Second, Gerrard Xie, Hitech Pulse-Eight
"It was a tough race, the conditions were pretty slippery but it was fun, and we managed it well. At the start we tried to keep up with Tymek and Louis but I cooked my front tyres a bit too much, so in the second half of the race I was just managing and I think it was a good result.”
Third, John Bennett, JHR Developments
“Pretty unexpected, I’d seen Tymek go off on the last lap which was a bit unlucky for him. The pace was really strong, I was on Xie’s rear wing but I’d just get a bit of dirty air, make a mistake and drop back and have to close the gap again. Pace was strong but it was just the same as every weekend. If we had been able to qualify on pole we could have held the lead but we qualified fourth so we went round in fourth, but I’m looking forward to tomorrow and got good points there.
“I don’t mind either way (on wet or dry race). I think dry makes it a little easier on everyone and a lot easier on the teams but I’m fine either way.”