South African British Formula 3 rookie Eugene Denyssen was satisfied with a positive performance in a difficult fourth championship round at Oulton Park over a UK Bank Holiday weekend highlighted by a dramatic first race accident just in front of the Somerset West driver.
“We had good pace all weekend,” Eugene explained. “We just didn’t manage to get the most out of the qualifying on a track that is very difficult to overtake on, so the starts were important and while I started 12th, I had the worst start and dropped back to 15th. “I had enough pace to catch up, but the race was red flagged 5 laps in and we could not restart, because there was no time left in the day.
“The red flag came after my fellow South African Sisa Ngebulana and Indian driver Ameya Vaidyanathan tangled, which resulted in a horrific crash when Ameya rolled wildly just in front of me,” Denyssen explained of the accident amplified by Vaidyanathan’s car becoming airborne after digging into the Oulton Park verge lawn. “I’m glad both drivers are okay and to see how strong and safe our Tatuus chassis are.”
“Race 2 was better — I had a good start and came home 11th, but I was stuck behind someone all race and couldn’t put down a fast lap time, so I had to start the final in 16th. “I was much quicker than the guys around me but I never had the opportunity to pass.”
Denyssen was however happy with the weekend that added 22 points to his championship tally. “I learned a lot yet again,” Eugene admitted. “I’ve improved my starting techniques and we have good pace, so I’m really looking forward to the second half of the season in Silverstone in two weeks.”