Team BRM's Karl Reindler clinched the 2004 Australian Formula 3 drivers championship this morning on the streets of the Gold Coast, after a conservative drive in the third and final race of the round saw the 19 year old West Australian score enough points to seal the crown over rival Chris Gilmour.
Doing just enough to assure himself of the crown, Reindler diced with championship rival Chris Gilmour in the early stages of the race, surviving a moment in turn one to pull away in fourth position.
The race didn't end there though, as the #19 Dallara's brake pedal sunk to the floor on the last lap, allowing Gilmour past. However, the points gained by the team BRM driver in the opening two races were enough, Reindler holding on to win the title by just three points.
The win marks the first major championship win for Reindler, who only moved into the championship at the mid point of the 2003 season.
“I am completely over the moon with this result,” said Reindler. “I was a bit nervous before the race, but once I jumped in the car I was okay. I had a few frights in the race, with a moment down at turn one, and my brake pedal sinking to the floor on the last lap, but I was still able to do what was required.”
After a season which had everything from dominating victories to controversial black flag's, Reindler was thankful that the series was all wrapped up.
“I have to thank the team for the last one and a half years of racing, they have been fantastic. I also want to thank my family and everyone who has supported me and sponsored me during my career. This is fantastic!”
Whilst all eyes were on the intense championship battle, Marcus Marshall again lead all the way from pole position, fighting off a determined pack keen to beat the Gold Coast resident who dominated the previous two races.
Again using his British F3 experience to the maximum, Marshall negotiated the lapped traffic and held off the charging pack to record a perfect score for the weekend driving his #4 No Limits Property Group / AEG power Tools Dallara F301 Speiss Opel.
