ARMSTRONG BACK IN CONTROL AS SCHUMACHER SCORES FIRST F3 WIN

Formula 3 rookie Marcus Armstrong has wrested back the championship points lead in the premier FIA European Formula Three Championship.
His fightback came in the final race of the weekend as his Prema Theodore Racing team-mate Mick Schumacher took his first F3 win.
Racing in wet conditions on the fast and demanding Spa circuit in the Belgian Ardennes, Armstrong set the seal on a difficult weekend that had until race three netted him only points for a sixth placing, battling through to third and a well-deserved podium that put him back in the championship lead. It was the perfect early birthday present for the young Kiwi who turns 18 today (July 29).
"Conditions weren't easy and at the beginning, I was struggling a bit while Robert was quite quick. Then as the track dried out I felt a lot more comfortable, especially in the final three laps or so. I think we will come back really strongly in the next few races."
It was his seventh podium finish of the season. He is one point ahead of British driver Dan Ticktum.
“We know consistency counts, and the competition is very intense.”
Meanwhile Mick Schumacher won his first ever Formula Three race. Off the start, Armstrong had taken the lead with team-mates Guanyu Zhou and Schumacher forming a Prema Theodore Racing wedge aimed directly at the podium. As the leaders returned from the opening laps, the race order was Armstrong-Robert Shvartzman and Schumacher.
The trio formed a drafting group that pulled away from the field and were then locked in battle for the win. While Armstrong and Shvartzman fought for the lead, Schumacher timed his move and took second from the Russian driver. He then went side by side with Armstrong at the famous Eau Rouge corner and went through to lead and win.
The next races of the season are at Silverstone (UK) in three weeks.
Marcus Armstrong races with the Prema PowerTeam and is a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy.