Prema Powerteam labelled their performance in the Zandvoort Formula 3 Masters at Zolder as a success after scoring a top five finish with Renger van der Zande at the wheel.
Although the team struggled towards the start of the weekend, van der Zande in particular began to find his range by qualifying and having squeezed into the shootout to decide the top twenty starting positions, went on to impress by recording the seventh fastest time.
Although van der Zande would make a disappointing start when Romain Grosjean stalled from pole position and hindered those directly behind him, the Dutchman made steady progress to eventually cross the line in fifth position.
Things were not so fortunate for team-mate Michael Patrizi who did not even take to the start of the race courtesy of an accident prior to the event that meant his car couldn't be repaired. Nonetheless, team principal Angelo Rosin was pleased with the team's showing.
"The Masters is a very stimulating race,” he said. “Prema Powerteam was among the protagonists of this race, unfortunately without obtaining the corresponding results. Nevertheless our performance was very encouraging. Renger van der Zande was blocked by Grosjean's car at the start. Following that, he managed to conclude the race in fifth position.
“An extremely unfortunate weekend for Michael Patrizi, who owing to an opponent's distraction couldn't take part in the race. After a few days of deserved break for all our staff we will get back to work in order to prepare the remaining part of the Formula 3 Euro Series season."
