GP3 Round 9, Race 2 Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi, 23rd November 2014. Dean Stoneman secured the championship runner up spot, despite having to retire on the opening lap of the final race of the season.
Starting from the fourth row of reversed grid following his empathic victory in race one, the Brit sustained terminal damage to the rear of his Dallara whilst moving up to sixth place after another great start.
From there it was a nail biting race as Dean and his team watched to see if Marvin Kirchofer, the only other driver who could challenge the 24-year old for second place in the championship standings, could finish sixth or higher. With 163 points versus 161 it was going to be close. But as the race finished, it was smiles all round as the German finished just 12th that meant Stoneman hung on to his well-deserved runner up place.
Stoneman reflected on his afternoon: “ I made a good start and was starting to make up places. Half way through the opening lap I felt an impact at the rear and could see the rear wing was damaged and had collapsed. There was no use trying to fix it as it would take too long; so it was race over.” About the Championship: “I’m delighted to finish the season as championship runner-up. This has been my first full season back in international single seaters and it’s been tough at times including having to change teams. I have to thank Koiranen GP, they have been superb and have given me a great car which has allowed me to have a strong end to the season. We now need to see what I will move on to next year. ”
Stoneman also finished the season as the driver with the greatest tally of victories. The Southampton driver enjoyed wins in Barcelona, Spa, Monza, Sochi and Abu Dhabi.
Stoneman will stay on at Yas Marina for three days of GP3 testing with the Koiranen GP team as he weighs up his options for 2015.
For more information:
Ant Shaw
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GP3 Round 9, Race 1 Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi, 22nd November 2014. Dean Stoneman produced a stunning-lights-to-flag victory to secure his fifth win of the season in searing midday Arabian heat.
Stoneman arrived in Abu Dhabi following his impressive win and second place in Sochi which propelled him into second place in the championship standing.
Starting from the front row of the grid in second place, Stoneman made a blistering start to power in front of the pole sitter who swerved toward the Koiranen driver. Stoneman defended his position well as he lead into turn one. From there, Stoneman produced a classy performance to open up a 2.1 second lead over the second place Kirchofer.
The Southampton based driver then continued to dominate the race and produced a fastest lap of 1:57.92 on lap 10. The 24 year olds lead was never really under threat despite a third-lap safety car and the loss of a mirror. This was truly a peerless performance that confirms his status as one the hottest talents in single-seater racing.
Although the race looked straight forward, Stoneman explained his in-car battle with the high track temperatures. “ I got a great start but could see Kirchofer coming alongside me. I was able to hold my position into turn one but it wasn’t easy. Throughout the race I had to really battle with the heat; it very was hot. At one point I had sweat just pouring down my face and into my eyes.” He added, “I then lost my right mirror which made it hard to judge reference points on the track. He (Kirchofer) was keeping me honest for most of the race. He is quick driver and I’m battling with him for championship places so I’m pleased to have got the win today.”
Yas Marina is a key circuit for Stoneman. In 2013 he made his return to single seater racing here and secured an emotional podium. The circuit is also where he successfully tested with the Williams F1 Team in 2010 before being diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Stoneman is now in second place the 2014 GP3 Series championship with just one race remaining.
Due to reverse grid format, Stoneman will start from 8th place on Sunday from where he will hope to get on the podium once again.
Round 9, Race 2 starts Sunday 09:00 GMT. The race is also shown live on Sky Sports F1.
For more information:
Ant Shaw
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GP3 Round 8, Race 2, Sochi, Russia. Sunday, 12th October 2014. Dean Stoneman returned to the podium once again to finish 2nd for the second race in Sochi.
Starting from the fourth row in 8th due to the reverse grid format after Saturday’s victory, the Koiranen driver made up six places and could have almost won the thrilling race on the final lap, a stunning result for the 24 year old.
Having secured a famous win in Saturday’s race, Stoneman made a blistering start; making up two places by shooting down the inside of the straight narrowly missing a huge three car accident which halted the race for 10 minutes.
From the restart behind the Safety Car and in 6th place the 2010 F2 Champion was in determined mood and soon moved up to 5th. From there he was on a charge as he hunted down the 4th place car of the GP3 Championship leader. Then, on lap nine of the fifteen-lap race, Stoneman made a clinical move down the inside to move into fourth continuing his charge through the field.
With another podium very much in his sights Stoneman began his push for 3rd. His momentum was however slowed by the pace of the car in front, which made it difficult for the Southampton driver to pass. Then, with only five laps left the Safety Car returned to the circuit. As the cars bunched up and the silver Mercedes returned to the pit-lane Stoneman found a way past to move up to 3rd.
But Stoneman wasn’t finished at that, with just three laps left and with the leading two cars having a close battle of their own ahead, Stoneman crept up on both of them to produce a grandstand finish to the race as the three vied for the lead. During the tussle Stoneman just managed to edge into the lead, but found himself on the wrong line and had to yield into 2nd. As the three cars came across the line it was Stoneman who secured an amazing podium in 2nd place rounding off a stunning weekend.
Stoneman was very satisfied with the result and reflected on what might have been: “I got a good start and just managed to avoid the accident. I knew from the restart I had to push. I needed to get on the podium to keep my championship hopes alive.” About the final three laps: “ Once I was into 3rd I always felt I could chase the guys ahead. It was a good battle with the three of us. I managed to edge it at one point, but my tyres had gone and I couldn’t make it stick. Overall it’s been a great weekend in Russia”
The result now puts Stoneman into 2nd place in the GP3 series with one final round remaining at Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi 21-23 November 2014
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Ant Shaw
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GP3 Round 8, Race 1, Sochi, Russia. Saturday, 11th October 2014. Dean Stoneman produced a dominant performance to win the first ever Russian GP3 race .
Starting from pole, the 24 year old produced a flawless performance to make it back-to-back GP3 victories following his famous win in Monza last month.
Stoneman adapted well to the brand new Sochi circuit having put his new Koiranen GP3 car on pole earlier in the day by over half a second. Lining up on the front row of the grid in the bright Russian sunshine Stoneman made and emphatic start and lead into the first corner whilst the busy pack battled for position behind the rapid Brit.
From there the Southampton based driver was in complete control and was never challenged for his lead as he seemed grew in speed and confidence as the 15-lap race unfolded. Receipts of his pace came in the form of fastest laps; first on lap 10 and then the fastest lap of the race: 1:53.889, which was posted on the final lap. Proof that Stoneman was in no mood to slow down.
A jubilant Stoneman was delighted with the race. “ I’m so happy with this today. To come here for the first time with a new team and win at the first ever Russian GP3 race is very satisfying. I have to thank Koiranen they have been amazing.”
About the race he explained: “ I got a great start. The car is the best GP3 car I have ever driven. I still feel there is more to come if we had more time to set it up. It was also great to get the fastest lap. I radioed the team to ask them if I had secured it with two laps to go. When I heard I hadn’t, so I then made a big push and was pleased to secure it. It really completes a great day.”
Stoneman will now turn his attentions to race 2 tomorrow. Due to the reverse grid structure he will start from the fourth row of the grid from where he hopes to have another strong race.
Race two starts tomorrow at 08:00 GMT and can be seen live on Sky Sports F1 channel.
The win and fastest lap now puts Stoneman 3rd in the GP3 series championship standings.
For more information:
Ant Shaw
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GP3 driver Dean Stoneman is delighted to announce he has joined leading team Koiranen for the final two rounds of the 2014 season.
The 24- year old has won three times this year but has had to make the switch following the withdrawal of Manor Marussia from the series.
Stoneman is delighted to have secured a seat with the Finnish team. “ Its great to be with Koiranen again. I raced with them in Abu Dhabi last season and got on the podium. They are a excellent team with some very talented personnel.”
Stoneman will join his new team in the inaugural GP3 race weekend in Sochi
For more information:
Ant Shaw
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0044 (0)7768 275464
GP3 Round 7, Race 2 Monza, Italy, 7th September 2014. Dean Stoneman made it two wins in two rounds as he stormed to victory in the most exciting race of the 2014 GP3 series season.
Stoneman, who was eager to build on his impressive 5th place in race 1 yesterday started race 2 from the second row of the grid alongside championship leader Alex Lynn. As the lights went out the 24-year old made a blistering start down the inside past his teammate ahead of him and into the lead as the gaggle of cars entered turn one. As the leading group emerged it was Stoneman from Lynn as the pair began to pull away with the Marussia Manor driver holding a defensive line.
The passionate Italian F1 crowd was then treated to a royal battle as Lynn tried everything in vain to get past the rapid 2010 F2 Champion. Two laps later Stoneman was passed, but this was to be short lived as Stoneman showed the kind of driving flare which has won him plaudits within the highest levels of the sport to fight back and regain the lead. Once the position was re-established, Stoneman produced some of the best driving of his career to open up a small lead of around 0.7 seconds over Lynn, increasing to 1.5 seconds towards the end of the 17 lap epic battle.
For Stoneman, his third win of the season rounded off a productive weekend in his first season return to international racing since making a full recovery from serious illness.
With many describing it as the “the race of the year” a jubilant Stoneman reflected on his titanic victory. “ That has to be one of the longest races of my career. I made a great start and managed to get in front and I knew he (Lynn) wasn’t going to be far away. He kept me really honest and we battled hard whilst giving each other lots of space, it was a great and enjoyable battle. I was always determined to get this one and fought hard and wasn’t going to give up the lead for anything.” He added about the car. “ We went for a set up which gave us greater cornering speed whilst compromising straight line pace, but it seemed to work.”
Stoneman remains in 8th in the GP3 Series championship whilst closing the gap on the championship leaders.
Stoneman will now turn his attentions to the next rounds when GP3 joins F1 for the inaugural races at the brand new circuit in Sochi ,Russia 10-12 October.
For more information:
Ant Shaw
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GP3 Round 7, Race 1 Monza, Italy, 6th September 2014. British driver Dean Stoneman secured further GP3 Championship points in an impressive drive today at the famous Italian circuit.
The 24-year old arrived at Monza fresh from his stunning victory at Spa two weeks ago eager to gain further points and strengthen his position in the competition championship.
Starting from the 5th row of the grid in 10th, Stoneman made what has now become one of his well known flying starts, first diving down the inside, then in to the middle before darting again down right in to turn one and overtaking several cars in the process. There was a slight collision exiting the corner for Stoneman, but he emerged with minor nose damage to his car in 6th; tucked in just behind the 5th place car of Bernstorff.
For the rest of the 17- lap race, Stoneman pushed his Dallara hard with the aim of gaining a further place. This resulted in him posting fast purple sector laps as he put pressure on the car in front. But with just five laps remaining, Stoneman benefitted from the 4th place driver being given a drive through penalty for overtaking under a yellow flag. This promoted the Southampton driver up a place as he crossed the line for a well-deserved 5th place and with it 10 valuable points.
Stoneman was pleased overall with the result. “ We found ourselves again a few rows back on the grid, but I had a great start. It’s busy in to the first corner here so I was pleased just to gain some places and come out the other end un-scathed, I had a slight knock, but nothing serious. I was pushing hard and never really felt any threat from behind so could concentrate on making up places ahead. All in all I’m satisfied with making up 5 places and getting more points.”
Stoneman remains in 8th place in the GP3 Series Championship.
Due to reverse grid format, Stoneman will start from the second row of the grid for race 2 on Sunday from where he will hope to return to a chance of a podium finish once again.
Round 7, Race 2 starts Sunday 08:25 GMT. The race is also shown live on Sky Sports F1.
For more information:
Ant Shaw
[email protected]
0044 (0)7768 275464
GP3 Round 6, Race 1 Spa Francorchamps, Belgium, August 23rd 2014. Dean Stoneman delivered a stunning performance today at a damp Spa circuit to secure a valuable victory in GP3, which now put his championship hopes back on track.
Racing for the first time at the famous Belgium circuit, the 24 year old was unfazed as he dominated the first of two races in tricky wet conditions.
Starting from the 6th row of the grid, Stoneman took the inspired move to start the 13-lap race on slick tyres. This move triggered a number of other drivers moving away from the safe wet option on a slowly drying track, but in the face of an advancing wet weather system which was threatening to move in once again as it had for most the day. It was a move that was to pay off for the Southampton driver.
As the lights went out at the start Stoneman managed to make an excellent start and avoid a number of collisions going on around him. With more drivers coming in to make the move to dry tyres, Stoneman was already starting to make up places and by the middle of the race was up to 7th place. Feeling there was much more to be achieved Stoneman continued to push and gain further places with a series of brilliant overtaking moves.
Cont…
With just seven laps to go Stoneman was up to 2nd and chasing down the leader. Then, just two laps later the lead car of Tuscher made an error on the exit of Eau Rouge. The spinning car left the track and spun back on to it narrowly missing the number 16 Marussia Manor car of Stoneman as he shot through to grab the lead. Stoneman’s increasing advantage was only pegged back when the safety car was deployed as further drivers struggled in the greasy conditions. As the safety car returned to the pit lane, Stoneman opened up a healthy lead for the remaining laps and despite a further safety car and some confusion at the end of the race it was Stoneman who was the victor following a peerless performance at his first ever visit to one of the most demanding circuits on the GP3 calendar.
A clearly delighted Stoneman reflected on his victory. “ That has to be one of the most satisfying wins of my career. I came here with no experience of this circuit at all. The conditions were the worst kind, wet then damp and partly dry. It’s a set up nightmare, really hard to call, but I spoke to my engineer Pete Berry and we decided to go with slicks, I think we were the first to do so. It worked well and I’m delighted it came off.”
Stoneman also secured a further championship point by posting the fastest lap of the 13- lap race.
Round 6, Race 2 starts Sunday 08:25 GMT. The race is also shown live on Sky Sports F1.
For more information:
Ant Shaw
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0044 (0)7768 275464
GP3 Rounds 5, Races 1&2 Hungaroring Budapest, Hungary, July 25/26 2014. Dean Stoneman produced yet another couple of strong performances in Hungary to pick further valuable GP3 championship points.
Racing in his first full season back in single seat racing since receiving treatment for cancer, the Southampton based driver put in a strong showing in both races to reinforce his return to the international stage.
Stoneman, who celebrated his 24th birthday last Thursday with the help from both the Marussia F1 and GP3 team personnel, was looking to build on his solid performances last weekend at Hockenheim.
In race 1, Stoneman started from the eighth row of the grid and as in previous rounds wasted no time in making a blistering start in the late Hungarian afternoon heat, first diving down the right hand side of the track before switching to the left as he entered turn one At a circuit where overtaking is considered almost impossible, he had made up as many four places by the end of lap 1. Then, by lap 3, Stoneman had moved up to 10th where he was to stay for the majority of the 18 lap race keenly looking to find a way past the 9th place car ahead of him, in turn trying everything to bag valuable championship points. His perseverance was eventually rewarded on the final lap when he eased into 9th and with it securing two well deserved points.
Race 2 on Sunday found Stoneman start from the 5th row of the grid due to the reverse grid format from race 1 the day before. As the lights went out, a surging Stoneman made a tremendous start once again in his quest to make up places. If there were to a prize for the greatest number of cars passed in a GP3 season, surely Stoneman would have won it by now. As the busy pack of cars emerged from the turn 2, it was the Marussia Manor Dallara of Stoneman which had moved up to 6th place.
Stoneman then began his push for 5th place taking tenths of a second out of the car in front with each lap. But Stoneman’s determination was taking its toll on his tyres, and was now receiving pressure from the cars behind him, however he managed to secure a valuable 8th place and with it a further championship point.
Stoneman was generally pleased with getting further points ” We suffered on our qualifying strategy when the session was red flagged. Finding myself some way down in race 1 was a challenge, but I managed to get a great start. Overtaking is hard here, but I still was able to make up some places.” Looking to the next race he commented: “I’m going to spend the break now preparing for Spa with time in the Marussia simulator.”
The GP3 series now takes a break for a few weeks before moving on to Spa for the Belgium Grand Prix August 22-24
For more information:
Ant Shaw
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0044 (0)7768 275464
Circuit de Barcelona-Cataluña, Spain, Sunday 11th May 2014. Dean Stoneman produced one the best races of his career in front of F1 bosses to secure an emotional first victory in round 2 of the GP3 Championship.
Starting from the front row of the grid Stoneman made a great start in damp conditions in the F1 Support race at the Spanish Grand Prix circuit by tucking himself just behind the pole sitter. As the rest of the field wrestled with the challenging conditions, the 23-year old eyed up his move for the lead. With the rain starting to fall and the leading car starting to feel the heat of Stoneman’s intentions there was an air of anticipation as the red number 16 Marussia GP3 car changed lines to make his move.
Then, mid way into lap two, Stoneman made his move down the outside of Tuscher. The Swiss driver responded and fought back and with cars side-by-side and wheel-to-wheel the two Dallara’s touched as they exited the complex of corners with the Swiss driver nearly pushing Stoneman off, but the Hampshire driver managed to hold on and establish a lead.
To make things more difficult, Stoneman had to contend with two safety cars due to accidents, which curtailed any opportunity to open up the gap he was so clearly capable of. With a number of leading drivers switching to wet tyres mid way through the 17-lap race, Stoneman managed to trade fastest laps on slick tyres in an impressive display in tricky wet conditions.
The race then was run on a timed basis due to the safety car incidents which triggerd a nervous last ten minutes for Stoneman’s team as they watched the remaining of the thirty minute race elapse. But it was Stoneman who was in control of the race to the end; crossing the line for an emotional victory for the popular Brit.
Stoneman was delighted with his first GP3 win “ This feels amazing. To be back winning on the international stage again so early in the season exceeds all my expectations. The weather made it really tough. There was simply no grip at the start, I even managed spin the car on my out lap. The start was good, I knew I had a chance to get the lead but knew I had to do it early on. I passed him but he came back at me and nearly took us both off. Thankfully I was able to open up a small lead only easing up at the end to preserve the tyres. ”
Stoneman later dedicated his win to his friend Dean Paling who died in a road traffic accident in December last year. “He would have enjoyed this today, so this one’s for him.”
The victory confirmed the return of world class young driver who was forced to take a break from racing in 2011and 2012 to beat life threatening Testicular Cancer.
Stoneman will now prepare for rounds 3&4 of the GP3 Championship as it moves on to The Red Bull Ring in Austria 21/22 June.
For more information:
Ant Shaw
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GP3 Round 4, Race Two, Hockenheim, Germany. Sunday, 20th July 2014. Dean Stoneman secured further valuable championship points in race two after yet another impressive drive.
The Marussia Manor GP3 driver was looking to further increase his tally following a stunning performance in race one yesterday, which culminated in thrilling finale as he brought home his car in fifth.
Starting this time from the second row, the 23-year old got bogged down with a slow start when he suffered from excessive wheel spin due to debris on the track. Stoneman was also running without first gear, which was damaged at the start; possibly from the wheel spin issue.
It was again a frantic group of cars that entered turn one and the Southampton based driver managed to keep out of trouble to slot himself into seventh. As the race developed Stoneman was one of three cars battling for fifth place. With just eight laps remaining, Stoneman’s cause was helped hugely when the seventh place car of Kirchofer made an ambitious move down the inside of Stoneman and fifth place Bernsdorf resulting in an inevitable collision narrowly missing Stoneman and leaving him in fifth.
From there, Stoneman began to hunt down fourth place, but without first gear and only limited number of laps remaining Stoneman crossed the line in fifth place.
After the race the third placed car of Eriksson was given a twenty-second penalty, which promoted Stoneman to a well deserved fourth.
Stoneman was pleased with his weekends work: “We came here looking to get some good solid points following a couple of frustrating races. We have now got the car where we need it pretty much and I will be working with my engineer Pete Berry to build on this next week in Hungary. This series is all about consistency and I believe this is now starting to come together. Its really good that it’s a back to back race next week as I believe we can keep up the momentum of performance ”
Stoneman lies eighth in the Championship with 40 point with another six rounds and twelve races remaining.
The GP3 series now moves on the Hungaroring in Hungary for round five 25-27 July 2014
For more information:
Ant Shaw
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GP3 Round 4, Race 1, Hockenheim, Germany. Saturday, 19th July 2014. Dean Stoneman produced a peerless performance to finish fifth in an enthralling and dramatic last-lap battle in the sweltering German heat.
Starting from the fifth row of the grid, Stoneman made what has now become his trademark starts; tearing through a busy field of cars in a quest for valuable championship points. As the lights went out the 23-year old got off to a flyer and was up as high as seventh mid-way through the opening lap at the famous German circuit.
Stoneman then began to set his sights on sixth and spent a number of laps looking for a way past the car ahead. Finally with seven laps remaining the Southampton based driver managed to just get in front, despite both cars swapping places with one another and entering the corners side by side. From there Stoneman was on a charge, but was still just over three seconds off the fifth place Dallara ahead.
But as the late afternoon sun beat down, he had managed to whittle down the gap to virtually nothing and started to make a bid for fifth on the penultimate lap. As both cars then entered the final lap Stoneman was trying everything to get past and on a number of occasions just nosed in front only to lose the advantage. But with just over half a lap to go, Stoneman made a brave dive down the inside and made the move stick. Despite a couple of knocks, Stoneman was in fifth, a position he carried across the finish line of the 18 lap race.
Stoneman was delighted: “It was great to pick up some valuable points. The car has felt great all weekend. We would have qualified higher up the grid, but I suffered from a couple of drivers blocking me in qualifying whilst on hot laps.” About the race he added : “I had some great battles out there today which I really enjoyed. I’m now looking forward to tomorrow’s race now and hopefully securing more points.”
Due to the reverse grid structure for race two, Stoneman will start from the second row of the grid from where he hopes to have a strong race.
Race two starts tomorrow at 08;25 GMT and can be seen live on Sky Sports F1 channel.
For more information:
Ant Shaw
[email protected]
0044 (0)7768 275464
GP3 Rounds 5&6, Silverstone, UK July 6th 2014. Dean Stoneman can feel very unlucky not to have taken more from his home races at Siverstone for the latest rounds of the GP Series.
Stoneman arrived at the famous Northants circuit full of confidence in continuing his form, which has so far included one win in Spain in his return season to single seater racing.
His weekend got off to a dramatic start when he suffered a huge impact during Friday’s practice session when his car left the track slid backwards at over one hundred mph whilst exiting Stowe corner resulting in massive rear end damage to his GP3 Dallara.
Working through the night the Marussia Manor team worked hard to repair and set up the number 16 car in time for Saturday’s earlier qualifying session.
However, even with his great reputation as a wet weather master, Stoneman found it difficult during the wet session to get the best from his rebuilt car and managed to qualify on the eighth row of the grid.
The race however was a different matter for the 23 year-old, as he produced again one of his stunning displays of driving, by carving through the field to finish tenth, much to the praise of his plaudits in both the GP3 and F1 paddocks.
Sunday’s race was an early affair and as the start lights went out for the 08:10 race Stoneman was again fast out of the blocks and made up three places by mid-way through the first lap.
As the race unfolded all eyes were on the Southampton based driver as he began to pick off his nearest rivals one by one. Then, with just one of the fifteen laps remaining, whilst up to an impressive fifth place with fourth clearly in his sights the Manor Marussia driver suffered suspension failure.
This was cruel payback for a stunning drive, but Stoneman was upbeat about his weekend. “The shunt on Friday practice really put us on the back foot. The team were amazing in getting the car rebuilt, but we still had some set up to do which we were trying to overcome during quali.” About the races the 23- year old reflected, “I think I have showed I have good pace in this car. If we had nailed qualifying I think we would have got a lot more from this weekend. I’m going to focus now on the next race in Germany.”
The GP3 series now moves on to the Hockenheim Ring, Germany18th-20th July.
For more information:
Ant Shaw
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GP3 Round 4, Red Bull Ring -Spielberg, Austria, Sunday 22nd June 2014. Dean Stoneman produced an impressive top ten finish despite starting the second race in Austria from the penultimate row of the grid in 23rd.
Having suffered a frustrating race one, in which he was punted off at the first corner, the Marussia Manor Racing driver was in a determined mood when the lights went out. Starting in an unfamiliar position way down the field, Stoneman tore through the field and as he began lap two he was already up to twelfth place with an extraordinary drive with eleventh clearly in his sights. Stoneman was then one of three cars vying for eighth place and with it one important championship point. But as the 18-lap race drew to a close Stoneman was unable to get close enough to improve his position.
Stoneman was slightly disappointed not to have secured eighth. “ The start was great and I was able to gain a few placed in the first lap, but this took its toll on my tires which began to fade and be less effective as the race drew to a close. Tenth is still pretty good considering where I started, although I really thought I could get even higher.” The Southampton driver was also grateful to the Manor Marussia team. “After the collision yesterday my car was destroyed at the front. The team did a great job in getting it ready for today. The car was great and I want to thank them for working so late into the night to get it fixed.”
Following rounds three and four Stoneman stands seventh in the GP3 Championship. Stoneman will now turn his attentions to the next rounds of the GP3 Series, which moves on to his home circuit of Silverstone 5/6 July.
For more information:
Ant Shaw
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GP3 Round 3, Red Bull Ring -Spielberg, Austria, Saturday 21st June 2014. Dean Stoneman endured a frustrating day in Austria, after it had promised so much for the Marussia Manor Racing driver.
The Southampton racer arrived at the Red Bull Ring fresh from his impressive victory in round two in Spain hoping to carry on his impressive form. And the 23-year old got off to a great weekend by qualifying on the second row of the grid. Stoneman though was later to hear the disappointing news that he was to be penalised three grid positions after being adjudged to have exceeded the circuit limits and placed all four wheel off the circuit at one of the corners. This was harsh treatment for Stoneman who had been trading top five qualifying places throughout the thirty-minute session earlier in the day.
As the lights went out for the start of the race Stoneman made a rapid start from the third row of the grid in sixth to power himself down the left hand side of the track taking two places to get to third as the cars flew into turn one, but just as the 23 year old position himself for the corner the ART car of Fontana triggered a collision which was to tag Stoneman and send him spinning off the track. Now facing the opposite direction, with a damaged first gear, Stoneman was then hit by one of the twenty or so cars entering the corner chaos caused by Fontana. For Stoneman it was the end of the race and the end of a very frustrating day in Spielberg.
Stoneman reflected on his day “It was disappointing to receive the penalty as I felt quail went really well. The car felt great and in thought we could really attack form the second row. I made a good start and managed to get passed my teammate Patrick (Kajula) and Fotana in to third, but I got a heavy knock at the rear which sent me spinning. This damaged my first gear and then I was just a passenger as I got hit hard on the front left corner. It felt like it just wasn’t going to be my day.” He added. “ Tomorrow is fresh start and I’m going to see what I can do from the back of the grid. My aim is to pick up some championship points.”
Stoneman will start race two tomorrow in front of a huge crowd. The race starts at 08:30 GMT and can be seen live on the Sky Sports F1 Channel.
For more information:
Ant Shaw
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0044 (0)7768 275464
Circuit de Barcelona-Cataluña, Spain, Saturday 10th May 2014. Dean Stoneman made an impressive start to his GP3 campaign, finishing seventh in the opening round of the championship with Marussia Manor Racing.
What made his performance so distinguished was the fact he had started the race from the thirteenth.
Following a frustrating qualifying session earlier in the day, the 23 year old found himself in an unusual starting position on the seventh row of the grid. This however this didn’t stop the Southampton based driver making one of his trademark rapid getaways after the race had to be restarted, passing four cars on the lead up to turn one of the Spanish Grand Prix circuit.
From there Stoneman was on a charge, going wheel-to-wheel with couple of his championship rivals on the outside of turn two, first taking ninth a third way around the 4.8 kilometer circuit then getting into seventh place at the end of the first lap.
The number 16 Marussia Manor Racing Dallara was looking good to move even further through the field with sixth place firmly in his sights. But despite closing the gap to just one second, this was a position he was to hold the rest of the sixteen-lap race.
Stoneman was satisfied with the result “ Being so far back always presents a few problems especially against such a competitive field. I was able to get a good start and managed to make up a few places. I wanted to preserve my tyres so started to push the car ahead of me for the final few laps, but there was never really an opportunity to get past. My car was excellent, I want to thank Peter Berry my engineer who was worked really hard over the past couple days to get the car right for me. We are now looking good for tomorrow’s race and I have a real opportunity to get a podium if all goes well.”
Stoneman will start race two tomorrow from the front row due to the GP3 reverse grid format.
The race starts at 08:30 GMT and can be seen live on the Sky Sports F1 Channel.
For more information:
Ant Shaw
[email protected]
0044 (0)7768 275464
Circuit de Barcelona-Cataluña, Spain, Wednesday 16th Thursday 17th April 2014. Dean Stoneman finished the official two-day test with the Marussia Manor Racing GP3 team with a fastest afternoon session time in preparation for the seasons opening two rounds 10/11 May.
Both days testing were run in warm sunny conditions as work continued to fine-tune the car further for the 23-year old. The sessions comprised of both race and qualifying runs to an attempt to fully prepare the 2010 F2 Champion for a successful GP3 campaign.
Stoneman’s race pace was impressive over the two test days, but it was during the final afternoon qualifying format session in the warm Cataluña sun that the Southampton based driver produced the fastest lap with a time of 1.36.312
Stoneman who flagged his intentions for the coming season was joined in Barcelona by leading motorsport engineer Peter Berry who has successfully worked with many leading drivers, many now in F1 including Daniel Ricciardo. As well as Berry, experienced racer and driver coach Kelvin Burt worked with Stoneman to maximise the test which certainly contributed to Stoneman’s successful two days.
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Stoneman reflected on the two-day test. “ We have worked really hard to make a big step forward with the car and it worked. It was great to have Peter (Berry) on board. He is an experienced engineer and his expertise really helped us understand the car better. I’m really looking forward to working with him and Kelvin (Burt).” He added: “With us racing here in a few weeks it was vital that we were on the pace. I’m really confident now that we have a package to be competitive this year. ”
Stoneman will now prepare for the first race of the GP3 season 10/11 May in Barcelona, part of the F1 race programme for the Spanish Grand Prix.
For more information:
Ant Shaw
[email protected]
0044 (0)7768 275464
Jerez, Spain, Thursday 10th & Friday 11th April 2014. Single seater returnee Dean Stoneman continued his preparation for his first season in GP3 this week with an official two-day test with the Marussia Manor Racing GP3 team.
As with the previous test in Estoril a fortnight ago, Stoneman and the team invested time in trying to get the Southampton based driver’s car to his liking by trying a number of suspension and aero settings at the Spanish circuit. Despite this attention to set up, Stoneman was still able to cut an impressive image on track as he hovered around the top ten times out of the twenty six cars running during day one of testing, finishing with a fastest time of 1:31.40.
Day two (Friday) saw the Marussia Manor Racing team make further set up changes to Stoneman’s car. Most of fastest running was done in the morning session prior to the sun coming out and slowing the track and times right down. In the afternoon session Stoneman did a number of laps in both qualifying and race set up. With his times around 1.33.00 in the warm Spanish sun the day ended positively for the 23-year old.
The Southampton based driver was pleased overall with the two days of testing. “ We have made some positive progress in the car. It was good to be at Jerez, this is another circuit I have never been to so that took some adjustment as well. I feel like we have moved forward lots from where we were which is encouraging.”
Stoneman now looks forward to the next official GP3 test at Barcelona 16/17 April; the last official test before the first race of the season 9/10 May in Barcelona, part of the F1 race programme for the Spanish Grand Prix.
For more information:
Ant Shaw
[email protected]
0044 (0)7768 275464
Estoril, Portugal, Friday 28th March 2014. Dean Stoneman enjoyed a positive two-day test and debut for the Marussia Manor Racing GP 3 team as he prepares for the 2014 season.
Arriving at the Portuguese circuit for the first time in his career, the test signified Stoneman’s full time single-seater comeback since his recovery from life-threatening cancer in 2011.
During the first day of testing (Thursday) Stoneman spent most the morning setting up the car and bedding in brakes. Despite this and having no prior experience of the famous ex F1 circuit, the 23 year old managed to be one of a hand full of drivers posting lap times of around the 1min.30 seconds. After the break for lunch and with further set up changes to the car made, Stoneman managed to put in an impressive lap time of 1.29.73, which was the second quickest time of the first day and just three tenths of a second off the fastest driver. Stoneman’s hopes of going even quicker were dashed as heavy rain hit the circuit. This gave Dean the chance to show his wet weather talent as he went quickest in the damp running conditions. Both morning and afternoon sessions confirmed that Stoneman and Marrusia Manor Racing will be front runners in this years GP3 championship.
Day two (Friday) saw the Marussia Manor Racing team make further adjustments to the Dallara GP3 car. The morning session was mainly run on a very damp circuit, which took its time to become fully dry. As all the cars switched to dry slicks, Stoneman again was one of the leading pack of drivers posting some of the quickest times around 1min:30 seconds. However, early in the afternoon the number 16 car of Stoneman had developed a misfire which meant the 2010 F2 Champion had to sit out a large part of the session whilst the issue was resolved.
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When Stoneman did finally return to the track he managed to again exchange quick times with the fastest ten drivers and towards the end of the session posted a time of 1:29.335 placing him sixth quickest overall for the day; just seven tenths of the quickest time.
The Southampton based driver was satisfied with his first outing with the team. “We came here knowing we had to get the car set up. I have never been to this circuit before so I’m happy we adapted quickly. The weather over the two days didn’t help much but at least the rain allowed me to see how the car is in both the wet and dry conditions and get a chance to try a range of set up options. I think the team did an excellent job and it all looks very positive for the coming season.”
Stoneman’s attentions will now turn to the next official GP3 test at Jerez in southern Spain 10/11 April.
For more information:
Ant Shaw
[email protected]
0044 (0)7768 275464
Southampton, UK Wednesday 19th March 2014. Dean Stoneman is delighted to announce his decision to join the Marussia Manor Racing GP 3 team for the 2014 season.
This season will mark Dean’s full time single-seater comeback since his recovery from life-threatening cancer. The 2010 F2 Champion starred in his first F1 Test with Williams but shortly afterwards was diagnosed as being in the advanced stages of the illness. After a long battle to recovery, his remarkable comeback was sealed with a second placed podium finish in his first GP3 race at the final round of the 2013 championship in Abu Dhabi. His obvious talent, coupled with incredible determination, marks him out as a strong contender for the 2014 title.
The 23-year old is happy to have finally sealed the deal to drive for Marussia Manor. “It has taken us a while to find the right team, but I think we have now established the best balance of support, professionalism and expertise to give me a strong chance of fighting for the championship this season. Manor has a long history of success at this level and of course the connection to the Marussia F1 Team is obviously exciting. I can’t wait to get to the first test in Portugal next week and start preparing for my full first season back in single seaters for over three years.”
Stoneman will meet up with his new team this week for his seat fitting and general preparation for what is hoped to be a landmark season for the Hampshire driver.
For more information:
Ant Shaw
[email protected]
0044 (0)7768 275464