A resounding victory before another frustrating decision
After Spa, it was on to Budapest for the final round before the summer break. On the Hungaroring, Théophile confirmed all the potential glimpsed in recent weeks. Fast from the very first laps, solid throughout the weekend and author of a superb victory in the Sprint Race, he leaves Hungary with plenty of positives. Although a penalty after the main race altered his final result on Sunday, the performances shown throughout the weekend are very encouraging for the rest of the season.
A good start to the weekend
Right from free practice, the feeling was good. The team quickly found a good direction with the set-up and Théophile was immediately on the pace.
In qualifying, he made a very strong first attempt which put him provisionally at the top of the timesheet. In the final minutes, several drivers improved their times and Théophile ultimately finished seventh, just a few tenths off pole position. A frustrating result given the small gaps, but one that gave him a good starting position for both of the weekend's races.
A perfectly managed Sprint Race
On Saturday, Théophile got off to an excellent start, gaining several positions in the opening corners. Quickly up to second, he stayed in touch with the leader while taking care of his tyres.
He waited for the right moment to go on the attack and made a superb overtake to take the lead of the race. Once in front, he set his own pace and gave his rivals no further chance.
Thanks to perfect race management, Théophile crossed the finish line as winner and secured his second Formula 3 victory of the season.
We had a very good pace and the car was really performing well. I was able to manage the tyres before attacking at the right moment. Once in front, the goal was simply to stay focused until the finish.
A solid main race
On Sunday, Théophile started from seventh on the grid. In a race marked by several safety car periods, he stayed in touch with the leading group and quickly climbed into the top 5.
The end of the race was particularly hard-fought. Under pressure from his pursuers, he defended his position perfectly until the chequered flag, finishing fifth on track after another very solid performance.
Unfortunately, several hours after the finish, the stewards decided to hand him a penalty following a duel during the race. This decision dropped him down the official classification, but it does not reflect the quality of his weekend or the level of performance shown at the Hungaroring.
A weekend that confirms progress
Beyond the results, Budapest confirms the progress made since the start of the season.
Throughout the weekend, Théophile showed speed, excellent race management and great maturity in his decisions. His victory in the Sprint Race, his fifth place achieved on track on Sunday and his consistent pace throughout the three days are all positive elements for the remainder of the championship.
Time for the summer break
The championship now enters its summer break. After an intense first part of the season, Théophile will be able to enjoy a few well-deserved days of rest before resuming preparations for the final two rounds of the championship.
The next meeting is scheduled for Monza at the beginning of September, to start the final stretch of a season that is far from having delivered its final verdict.
