China’s F1 dream a step closer as Zhou wins F3 Asia title
- Dramatic comeback sees Chinese driver get 18 all-important Super Licence points, needs just four from Formula 2 season
- Shanghai-born 21-year-old cruises to victory in final race of season ahead of Frenchman Pierre-Louis Chovet
China’s sole Formula 1 hope Zhou Guanyu saw his dream move a step closer with a dramatic victory in the Formula 3 Asian championship in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
The 21-year-old 2021 Alpine Academy driver, who will test F1 cars again this season, took the title and 18 all-important Super Licence points.
That takes him to 36 points and he can reach the required number of 40 points this Formula 2 season to make him eligible for an F1 seat if he can get one.
“Firstly huge thanks for my team, my crew, Abu Dhabi Racing,” the Shanghai-born driver said after sealing the championship.
“Over the last four weeks it’s been tough. Coming into the last round with 32 points behind it wasn‘t easy. I never gave up until the last race and today we made a perfect start, got into the lead and got the head down to focus to get the first win and to get the win here.
“It was unbelievable to be winning and to be the Asian F3 champion. It’s a good experience for me and I really enjoyed my four weeks here.”