7th-9th October 2022 - Dijon
Sensational Dijon
Another truly international grid with competitors from Italy, France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK assembled for the first HSCC Historic F3 race on the continent in five years. Conditions for qualifying on Friday afternoon were fantastic and it quickly showed that those with previous exposure to this very technical track had an advantage.
Not unexpectedly Jeremy Timms took pole but by a narrower margin than usual, just 2/10th ahead of Widmer who lapped 14/1000 quicker than Bankhurst who in turn eclipsed Derossi by yet another 14/1000 - very close performances indeed. Behind it was Jason Timms ahead of series newcomer Jamin, Fischer, Sharp, Muller and Armer rounding out the top ten.
A nice apéro in the paddock rounded up a perfect Friday with all cars ready for the first race on Saturday. Widmer had the best start and lead initially in race one, but Timms restored order at the end of the first lap while Bankhurst and Derossi received a drive-through on lap two for being a bit too optimistic as the lights went out. An unfortunate spin into turn one on lap 4 collected an unlucky Delea and brought out the safety car for two laps and thus bunching up everyone once again. After the restart, a good battle between the Timms cousins and Widmer ensued with Jamin, Fischer and Armer in hot pursuit.
However, it was clearly Derossi who delivered the drive of the day. Being just in P12 after the safety car and his detour through the pit lane, he started to slice through the field and eventually caught up with Jeremy Timms and Widmer with three laps to go after Jason Timms dropped back after a spin and Fischer's engine started to lose power.
In the end Derossi crossed the finish line just half a car length ahead of Timms after 15 laps, however, as the race was red flagged immediately thereafter due to a near identical incident into turn one on lap 14, this time series newcomer Humbert collecting an unfortunate Messer, the final race result was that of a lap before with Timms taking a narrow victory ahead of Derossi and Widmer. Jamin followed in P4 in his first screamer race ever, ahead of Sharp, Armer, Muller and Bosson. As it was such a close call, Jeremy Timms put on a new set of tyres which he had saved for Portimão and never looked back in the second race on Sunday, driving without fault and securing a second victory and the lead in the championship.
However, behind spectators witnessed a sensational battle for second place in a six car battle over 17 laps from start to finish. Derossi, Jason Timms, Jamin, Armer, Bankhurst and Widmer traded places lap after lap, very close, clean and intense racing and simply a joy to watch - definitely perfect advertising for our series. Any one of the six would have deserved to be on the podium, in the end it was Derossi crossing the finish line narrowly ahead of Jason Timms, but all the others had equally big smiles on their faces as they got out of their cars. The eight top finishers in race two will all meet again in Portimão, so more to come!
Report courtesy of Historic F3 1000cc European Trophy
View Results and Timings Dijon [PDF]
