27 August 2001

European Formula 3000 - Imola

Following his third place in last weekend's race at Zolder, Belgium, Alex Müller scored his third podium finish of the season in the sixth round of the Euro-Formula 3000-series. At Imola, Italy, the driver of the Ghinzani-Team once more scored a third place. With two remaining races, Alex is also back into third place in the championship standings.

In free practice on the track at Imola, traditionally the venue for the Formula 1-Grand Prix of San Marino, Alex was second fastest. For the qualifying session, he had some changes made to the car. "We opted for a different setting of the rear springs and also made some changes on the stabilisers", he explained.

The changes, however, didn't bring the expected success in qualifying. On the 4.933 km long track, Alex drove a fastest lap time of 1.42.301 minutes. That made him fifth on the starting grid. "The changes definitely proved to be a step into the wrong direction", an annoyed Müller said.

Nevertheless, he was well motivated for the race and already showed to be strong in the opening stages of the race. Directly after the start, he overtook two opponents and slotted into third place. There, he was to stay for the duration of the race. He came home third following Massa and Italian Biagi. "It was a rather uneventful race", Müller analysed. "Positions were taken fairly soon after the start and then, not much happened anymore. Still, I am quite satisfied with my third place. Now, I am also third again in the championship."

The next round takes place at the Nürburgring on September 16. "There, I should be able to win", says Müller. "There are no opportunities for testing before the race at the Nürburgring and thus, my knowledge of the track could prove to be a decisive advantage. And of course, I hope for strong support of my fans, that always is an additional motivation."

German Formula 3 - Nürburgring

Allan Simonsen continued his familiarisation with the German Formula Three Championship and acheived a best placing of 16th in Sunday's race. This was just one place behind the highly rated British driver Gary Paffett. In Saturday's race Allan came home in 19th place.