Formula 3 Euro Series 2005 - Press Release No. 40

_{source: f3euroseries.com}

Track temperature: 18.4 ºC
Air temperature: 12.3 ºC

This Sunday at the Nürburgring, championship leader Lewis Hamilton (ASM F3, Dallara-Mercedes) secured his tenth win in the 2005 Formula 3 Euro Series season, with Sebastian Vettel (Mücke Motorsport, Dallara-Mercedes) crossing the line 19.6 seconds after the Briton to finish runner-up. Adrian Sutil (ASM F3, Dallara-Mercedes), the winner of the Saturday round, came in third. With six more races to go, Lewis Hamilton has 118 points on his tally and holds a 37-point lead over his team-mate and closest championship rival, Adrian Sutil.

Lewis Hamilton made the best start and took the lead right away. Behind the leader, Paul di Resta (Manor Motorsport, Dallara-Mercedes) made a braking mistake while entering the Mercedes-Arena and hit just his team-mate Lucas di Grassi (Manor Motorsport, Dallara-Mercedes), thus forcing him into early retirement.

Up to the 12th round, Adrian Sutil held second position, but then he also made a braking mistake in the rain, thus offering Sebastian Vettel the chance of passing him for second place. Afterwards, the 18-year old rookie defended this position until he crossed the finish line, thus securing his second Formula 3 Euro Series podium finish.

Lewis Hamilton (ASM F3): "Because of the changeable conditions with wet and dry sections, the race represented an extraordinary challenge. It was my goal to open the biggest possible gap as I didn't want too many risks, in the later stages of the race. Hence, I could watch the actions of my opponents in my mirrors. Now I'm looking forward to Zandvoort and I'll give my very best to increase my Formula Euro Series Championship lead, there."