Michael Meadows has remained in contention for the British F3 International Series National Class crown after two top six finishes at
Brands Hatch.
Pre-weekend testing gave the Double R driver the chance to reacquaint himself with the long Grand Prix layout of the Kent circuit, and Meadows ended up being second quickest in the first two sessions and third quickest in the third ahead of the weekend.
Having qualified third for both races, Meadows made a good start in race, passing National class leader Sergio Perez, but then ran wide letting through Perez and rival Viktor Jensen. It was then a battle for the final podium spot with Meadows tight behind Jensen throughout the 22 laps of the race but he was unable to make a move and had to settle for fourth.
In the second race Meadows was off the line well and racing hard with his rivals, but the race stewards judged that he had jumped the start lights, with a drive through penalty dropping him to the back of the field. From there, he raced to come home in sixth place.
In the first race I was attacking Victor for much of the race distance, but unable to find a way through on this tight circuit, and just couldn't get the run on him into the corners to make a move stick, he said. The second race was ruined with my jump start penalty. I've never made that mistake before, so I'm particularly disappointed, but I just got a bit too excited and wanted to try and get past a few cars at the start. It scuppered any chance I had of a podium finish, although with the pace I ran later in the race I reckon I could have made it up to third place at least.
Meadows lies third in the overall National Class title hunt on 109 points with Perez and Frankie Perez drivers tied for the lead on 174 points.
