HAPPY END IN HOCKENHEIM: TWO VICTORIES ROUND OFF STRONG SEASON FOR VOLKSWAGEN DRIVERS

October 20, 2014 by Volkswagen Motorsport

◾Blomqvist and Verstappen each win once 'powered by Volkswagen'

◾Son of World Rally Champion Stig Blomqvist second in the overall standings

◾Verstappen becomes the youngest driver in history to be promoted to Formula 1

With two victories and a further four podium spots at the season finale in Hockenheim, the Volkswagen drivers rounded off a successful season in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship. Max Verstappen (NL), the 17-year-old with exceptional talent, and Tom Blomqvist (GB), two of this season's outstanding drivers, were among the winners once again. This also saw the son of former World Rally Champion Stig Blomqvist secure second place in the overall standings, ahead of Verstappen by nine points. The title in the Formula talent series had already been secured by Frenchman Esteban Ocon (Dallara-Mercedes) before the final race weekend.

However, it was the drivers of the Dallara F312s 'powered by Volkswagen' who dominated at Hockenheim. In the first race, 'flying Dutchman' Verstappen clinched his tenth success in this season of the Formula 3 European Championship with a commanding start-finish victory. Blomqvist and Antonio Giovinazzi (I) also showed a strong performance in glorious sunshine, finishing in third and fourth place.

The duo from the Jagonya Ayam with Carlin team celebrated a one-two victory in the second race. Verstappen worked his way up the field from ninth on the grid to finish in fifth place after a great chase and some spectacular overtaking manoeuvres. This saw the battle between Blomqvist and Verstappen for second place in the championship come down to the final race of the season. Blomqvist won with some clever tactics. He finished in third place in the race won by Austria's Lucas Auer. Jordan King (GB) ensured that there was a second Volkswagen driver on the podium once again in the final race. Max Verstappen finished in sixth place.

Verstappen's magnificent season as a Formula 3 rookie saw him gain direct promotion to the elite class of motorsport. The son of former Formula 1 driver Jos Verstappen will drive for Toro Rosso next season, making him the youngest driver in the history of Formula 1. His first involvement was during free practice at the Japanese Grand Prix. A success story that Volkswagen, with their provision of engines in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship, has also helped to write.

Overall, the drivers with the engines from Wolfsburg celebrated 18 victories in 33 races – Verstappen got ten of these, Blomqvist six and Giovinazzi two. Seven different drivers with race cars 'powered by Volkswagen' finished on the podium 52 times during the course of the season.