Nabil Jeffri celebrating his podium finish in the Red Bull Ring in Austria. - filepic
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s Nabil Jeffri is in an upbeat mood as he travels to Hockenheimring Circuit in Germany for the fourth round of the ATS Formula 3 (German Formula 3) Cup this weekend.
Nabil came out of a difficult weekend at the unfamiliar Red Bull Ring in Austria to secure a triple podium and he’s hoping to continue that momentum in Germany.
The Petronas talent development driver showed he was no pushover despite his lack of exposure on the Austrian track when he qualified fourth and finish all three races in second place.
Raking in 44 points from last week’s previous round, Nabil sits third in the standings with 105 points.
Markus Pommer of Germany leads the table with 173 points, ahead of Dutch rookie Indy Dontje (119pts).
“At the previous round in Lausitzring, I only got one podium. I’m very happy with my three podium finishes in Austria over the weekend.
“The points are so important for me to stay in contention.
“I try to finish in the top three in every race ... that’s my target and I’m very confident.
“My pace is very good and, for that, I have to thank the crew who prepare the car for me so well,” said Nabil from Germany.
In the Austrian round, Nabil completed Race 1 on Saturday in 30:35.133 – 2.216 seconds adrift of championship leader Markus Pommer. The German stopped the clock at 30:32.917 while Holland’s Indy Dontje took third in 30:40.466.
In Race 2 on Sunday, where the grid was reversed based on the Race 1 results, Nabil enjoyed a rocket start but found himself entangled with Pommer and American Santino Ferrucci early into the race.
He managed to pass both rivals and tried to catch up with leader Dontje, but tyre issues forced the Malaysian to settle for second in 20:38.931. Dontje won Race 2 in 20:38.922 and Pommer took third in 20:39.531.
Race 3 later in the day saw a similar formation, with Nabil again going head-to-head with Pommer and Dontje. Despite his efforts, Nabil could only finish second in 30:57.631 – 5.612 seconds behind Pommer (30:52.019). Dontje took another third place finish in 31:00.860.
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