Christo Scores Double on Formula Three Debut
13th Apr 2009
Sutton Coldfield youngster lies fifth in title hunt after Easter races at Oulton Park.
Sutton Coldfield’s Riki Christodoulou lies fifth in the Cooper Tires British Formula 3 International Series after finishing fifth and sixth on his category début at Oulton Park today (Mon 13 Apr).
The 20-year-old West Midlander finished 17.190secs behind race one winner Daniel Ricciardo after 20-laps around the undulating 2.692-mile “International” track in Cheshire having started from sixth place on the 19-car grid.
“Christo” lined-up his Alpinestars sponsored Dallara Mercedes in third place for race two but a slow getaway saw Riki slip to sixth on the opening lap, a position he comfortably retained to the chequered flag – 16.721secs behind race winner Ricciardo – in a race shortened to 16-laps after an opening lap accident caused it to be stopped.
“I’m both pleased and disappointed,” reflected Riki. “Claiming two top-sixes on my F3 début is okay but they could have both been podiums. I got stuck behind Daisuke Nakajima in race one. I had the faster car, tried to overtake six or seven times, but just couldn’t find a way past cleanly – these cars are so ‘aero’ sensitive.
“I was third in the second race when it was red-flagged due to an accident on the opening lap. At the re-start, I got bogged down with too much wheelspin so found myself down in sixth. Once again I was behind the Japanese driver and the same scenario occurred throughout the race. I just had to stay cool – it was important to claim points and not do anything silly.
“I’ll learn from the experience in these two races and put things right for the next races at Silverstone next month.”
Oulton Park (International Circuit) nr Tarporley, Cheshire. Rounds 1 & 2
Race 1
Qualifying Pos: 6th (1:28.309) Bright/Dry. Race Result: 5th (Overcast/Dry).
Race 2
Qualifying Pos: 3rd (1:28.354) Bright/Dry. Race Result: 6th (Bright/Dry).
2009 Cooper Tires British Formula 3 International Series
1 D. Ricciardo (Aus) 40pts, 2= N. Tandy (GB) & W. Grubmuller (A) 28pts, 4. D. Nakajima (Jap) 18pts, 5. R. Christodoulou (GB) 14pts, 6. A. Buzaid (Bra) 10pts.
Next races
Silverstone (International), Northamptonshire. Rds3 & 4 (2 May).
About Riki Christo
Riki Christodoulou has been racing as long as he can remember. Through karts, Formula Renault and now in the British Formula 3 International series. Riki continues to compete in top flight motorsport as one of the UK’s most promising young racing car drivers.
