He may not be on home soil, but there is no ignoring British driver Charlie Hollings in the 2007 Australian F3 championship, as the Yorkshireman leapt to the top of the points table following victory in round five at Eastern Creek Raceway.
Indeed, with team-mate Michael Trimble following him home in race one the result provided Astuti Motorsport with a convincing one-two finish, after Hollings stole the lead into the opening corner having qualified third. The 25-year-old also made gains off the start line in race two, climbing from fourth to third, and despite suffering engine difficulties he would remain there to the flag, with the double podium haul enabling him to leapfrog key rival Tim Macrow to head the drivers' standings by six points with just three of the eight rounds left to run.
This has been a fantastic weekend for me and the team, Hollings enthused afterwards. It's great to get another win here at Eastern Creek and to be leading the championship.
I was easily fastest in testing so qualifying was a bit frustrating, but taking another win made up for it. The whole team is pushing hard and I think we'll be very strong for the last rounds of the season we're really confident and I can't wait to get to Phillip Island next month.
As the fight for the title hots up, the Kumho Tyres Australian Formula 3 Championship drivers return to Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit on 11-12 August to battle over the honours in round six.
