The first Formula 3 race of the 2013 season started on16 February at the Paul Ricard Circuit in the south of France, with the first of 2 winter series races in the European Formula 3 Open Championship. Young Thai racer Sandy Stuvik drove for the first time in a Formula 3 race and with only one day to learn and adapt to the high down force F3 car, the Thai driver would have to learn quick.
Sandy therefore focused on learning the track and car as he also worked with last year F3 open champions, RP Motorsport, to familiarize himself with the car. The team was immediately impressed with the Thai driver posting lap times far above what was expected and in the qualifying Sandy secured a 6th position starting place with a time of 2:03:830.
Sandy Stuvik drives his Formula 3 at the Paul Ricard Circuit in southern France, Saturday, Feb. 16.
During the 30 minute race, Stuvik proved his mettle with a good start and stayed in contention with the lead group. By mid race distance he was up to 4th position and started setting the fastest lap times of all the cars. He closed right up underneath the 3rd placed car and made several challenges to overtake for a podium place, but in the end opted for a safe race and brought the Formula 3 car to the checkered flag in 4th place, still maintaining the second fastest time of all the 26 cars.
The next round of the winter series will be at Spain’s Jerez Circuit on 1-2 March and the 17 year old Thai racing driver is intent on making another strong showing in one of Europe’s largest Formula 3 series.
Sandy Nicholas Stuvik races for the Royal Automobile Association of Thailand and is sponsored by The Pizza Company, Singha Corporation, Dacon Inspection Services and Sports Authority of Thailand.
