Jaime Alguersuari was able to celebrate becoming the youngest ever champion in the history of the British F3 International Series at Donington Park after a double win allowed him to overhaul Carlin team-mate Oliver Turvey in the standings.
The Red Bull-backed Spaniard went into the weekend in second place in the standings behind Turvey, but a victory in the opening race, allied to the fastest lap, allowed him to close the gap to the Briton to just three points going into the final race of the year.
The odds were stacked against Turvey after a tough qualifying session that had him down in 14th place on the grid with Alguersuari starting from the front row of the grid.
A fine start allowed Alguersuari to jump ahead of pole-sitter Oliver Oakes and he controlled the race from the front as Turvey tried to make his way up the order.
However, when Turvey was forced to retire in the closing stages, Alguesuari was assured of the title as long as he could stay on track and he brought the car to the finish to take his second win of the day and secure the drivers' crown.
"I just can't believe that I've won the title," he said. "The odds were stacked against me coming to
Donington, but the team and my engineer have done a fantastic job. Its been a very close year of racing and very competitive, so it makes it even more special to win this year against such good drivers."
Despite his DNF, Turvey took second in the championship standings, while Brendon Hartley was third – despite also failing to see the chequered flag in the season finale.
However, team boss Trevor Carlin was still delighted after seeing his drivers lock-out the top of the standings, while Carlin also looked well set in the National Class before Andy Meyrick was taken ill in the middle of the year.
"2008 has been the most amazing season for the team," he said. "To have so many talented, quick drivers has been fantastic and the way in which the team and all the drivers have worked together has contributed to today's successes. Both Martin and I would like to thank every team member for the contribution they have made.
