Fumanelli and Jammal triumph at Jerez as Fontana edges towards title

David Fumanelli and Noel Jammal took a win apiece at the European F3 Open’s Jerez round whilst Alex Fontana put one hand on the championship trophy with a typically consistent display.

Fumanelli has been the series' form man of late, taking a victory at each of the past two rounds to climb to second in the standings. The Italian maintained that form at Jerez, taking pole for and then winning the opening race whilst also recording the fastest lap.

Mexcian racer Juan Carlos Sistos took second with GP3 regular Zoel Amberg completing the podium. Meanwhile long-time championship leader Fontana crossed the line fourth, limiting Fumanelli’s damage to his points advantage.

Race two saw Lebanese pilot Jammal score his first series win with Fabio Gamberini second and Fontana third. The Swiss beat Fumanelli to the final podium spot and ensured a four point swing in his favour.

Following the Jerez meeting Fumanelli is the only man left capable of overhauling Fontana for the title at the season-closing Barcelona event. His task will not be easy: he trails the Corbetta driver by 25 points with just 29 left to score. As such Fontana would need to score five points or less – something he has not done at any round this season – with Fumanelli taking a perfect result.

The season concludes at Circuit de Catalunya with a double-header event on October 29/30.

Watch live coverage of the European F3 Open on Motors TV


James Weeks