Buzaid takes podium in Hockenheim Sprint race

Adriano Buzaid took a well earned podium finish this afternoon in round 11 of the 2010 Cooper Tires British F3 Series. The Brazilian made up for the disappointment of losing out in race one earlier today with a competitive third place finish. Race one winner Jean-Eric Vergne took six points in fifth place to maintain his lead in the championship standings, while James Calado was sixth, Jazeman Jaafar eighth and Rupert Svendsen-Cook ninth and Lucas Foresti 12th.

Adriano Buzaid (BRA) Carlin Dallara Volkswagen Credit: British F3

Race two of the day got underway without incident this afternoon and once again Buzaid made a good start. Championship leader Vergne also made a good getaway; determined to improve from his eighth place grid slot. By mid way through the lap, Vergne had already passed several cars and by the end of lap one was already fifth, just ahead of Calado in sixth.

As the race got into a steady rhythm, Buzaid found himself under pressure from Gabriel Dias. The two Brazilians fought hard and wheel to wheel for three laps, until Dias, the eventual race winner, went on to pass Buzaid on lap four.

Vergne meanwhile was involved in a battle of his own; the Red Bull Junior was chasing down Jay Bridger and was alongside the fourth placed man on several occasions. Conscious of his need to score points for his championship campaign, Vergne wisely chose not to risk a race finish by clashing, and settled for fifth pace.

Behind Vergne, Calado was holding off the attentions of Buller, while Jaafar - in eighth place - was at the head of a three car Carlin train which consisted of Svendsen-Cook and Foresti. All three were line astern by lap 10, until Foresti started to lose pace and fall into the clutches of Daniel McKenzie on the last lap. The young Brazilian fought hard to maintain his position, but crossed the line in 12th place.

Speaking about his podium position, Buzaid said, "I'm really happy. It felt like a long 20 minute race to be honest! I made a really good start - the car is just great off the line and I was able to jump up two places. Unfortunately Dias was just too quick for me to keep him behind, I knew I was losing time driving so defensively. I'm happy with third though. We can build on this and aim for another podium tomorrow."

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