Guanyu Zhou adds superlicence points with Asian F3 title

@F1Gregory

Alpine F1 junior Guanyu Zhou clinched the Asian F3 title in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, an achievement that added 18 points to the Chinese driver's superlicence tally.

Zhou entered the 15-round series that took place exclusively at Dubai Autodrome and Yas Marina between January 39 and February 20 with local outfit Abu Dhabi Racing by Prema.

But Zhou, who won the opening two rounds of the championship, entered the final three-race meeting with a 32-point deficit to series leader Pierre-Louis Chouvet.

The Alpine charger set off from pole in the first race but lost out on the track to Evans GP's Patrick Pasma. However, the Finn was hit with a five-second penalty for failing to slow in a yellow-flag zone, a violation that delivered the win to Zhou while Chouvet could only finish 5th.

Read also: Zhou F1 dream is 'once in a generation project' - Alpine

Zhou crossed the checkered flag P2 in the second race which was won by Pasma but then delivered a flawless performance in the third and final race, sealing the title with a 16-point advantage over Chouvet in the final standings.

"It's unbelievable to be the Asian F3 Champion, it was a great experience and I really enjoyed my time here," said Zhou.

"I want to thank my team, Abu Dhabi Racing by PREMA for all the hard work. The last few weeks had been tough and coming to the last round 32 points behind was not easy.

"I never gave up until the last race and today we made a perfect start, got to the lead, then head down to get the win."

Zhou's 2021 season will include a third campaign in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with Virtuosi and the hope of taking the final step up to Formula 1 in 2022.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.