Wire-to-wire Monaco GP3 win for Stockinger

CHALK up one more milestone for Filipino-Swiss driver Marlon Stockinger.

Showing steely resolve, Stockinger came through with a wire-to-wire victory in the second GP3 Series race of the weekend in Monte Carlo to become the first Filipino to achieve the feat.

Stockinger, representing the Status Grand Prix team, held off a furious charge from Portuguese Antonio Felix da Costa in the 18-lap race at the revered Circuit de Monaco.

An elated Stockinger said the victory was a dream come true.

“To stand on the podium steps in Monaco, where racing legends like Ayrton Senna once stood, is mindblowing,” he said.

Stockinger kept his composure even after two collisions forced restarts that allowed his rivals to pull closer until the race was finally halted. And despite using the same worn-out tires in qualifying, Stockinger clocked the fastest lap time in the 11th.

The victory pushed Stockinger to third in the GP3 points, with his Status GP team also racking up precious points to crash into the Top 3.

“The important thing was to focus on being consistent, refrain from mistakes and make a gap,” he said. “Having the fastest lap was good. It showed that I could’ve kept the lead and also proved that the team did a great job.” Cedelf P. Tupas