Kari clinches Race 1 of GP3 Series

Abu Dhabi - Champion George Russell of ART finished second followed by Jenzer Motorsport's Arjun Maini.

Arden International's Niko Kari clinched Race 1 of the GP3 Series at the Yas Marina Circuit on Saturday. Champion George Russell of ART finished second followed by Jenzer Motorsport's Arjun Maini.
Kari was excited with the win, especially coming after a year of struggle to find a good setup on the car to improve things. "Finally we have done it. We've had a few good weekends, a few podiums but I'm really happy. The car was really good. We'll see what happens on Sunday: the car is really quick. I think I did the fastest lap as well. So, we'll see what we can do from eighth place, try to make a good start and go ahead."
Kari's victory was a result of a great start and multiple contacts for other cars helped his cause. Kari and teammate Leonardo Pulcini blazed and Russell on pole went after the Italian. The pole position was outside and this meant Kari maximised to push further on the first turn as Russell went after Pulcini on the inside.
"The guys were really on the inside of the track. I tried to go around the outside and it worked. It was a good move. I was fairly happy with everything and could just control the pace from there."
On his strategy for the final race on Sunday, Kari said: "We will just go lap by lap and try the best we can."
Meanwhile, it will be last race for Russell in GP3 Series. And he is looking for nothing but win.
"I want to go out in style. I start from seventh on the grid so you never know but I just want to go out and have some fun really. There's no pressure, don't do anything stupid, don't crash the car, just bring it home, have fun, enjoy the race and do the best I can do. That's all I can do," he added.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com