Canadian aiming to record 20th podium finish at Hockenheim
Rivals in this year’s 2016 FIA Formula 3 European Championship can expect no favours from already “crowned” champion Lance Stroll in the final three races at Hockenheim next weekend (15-16 Oct). The 17-year-old Canadian is intent on signing off from the F3 single-seater category in style by recording an incredible 20th podium finish in what has already been a phenomenally successful season with 27 races run in the 30-race series.Geneva-based Stroll has already swept his Prema Powerteam Dallara F312-Mercedes to 17 podium race finishes and starts his 60th career F3 race on Saturday morning with an unassailable 136pts lead. The Montréal-born Williams Formula One Development driver returns to the 4.574km Grand Prix circuit where he scored his maiden F3 victory in the corresponding event last October having recorded a further 11 wins this season.Free Practice 1 & 2 is held on Friday (1045-1210 local) with qualifying sessions later that day (1355-1415 & 1735-1755). Races 1 & 2 are on Saturday (starting 1000 & 1705) with Stroll’s final F3 race scheduled for Sunday (1005).
“I’m aiming to have a blast and bow out of F3 in style. I’m heading to Hockenheim aiming to win, nothing has changed from my side because I’m already assured of the title. I guess I’ll not be too stressed as I won’t be worrying about having to score points towards the championship and so it should be a lot more fun. It’ll be nice going back to the track where I scored my maiden F3 victory – I have many good memories. I really like the circuit, especially driving into the Stadium and Sachs Corner.”