Oliver Turvey is leading the British Formula Three championship on 222 points with just two races left to go – but he’ll have to wait a while before claiming a win.
The Penrith-born driver took his 12th podium finish of the season in Bucharest, Romania, at the weekend and added a further three points to his lead in the process.
Turvey, who is supported by the Racing Steps Foundation, is now due to compete in the championship’s final rounds, to be held at Donington Park on October 12.
He will join the start grid 12 points clear of his nearest rival, Carlin Motorsport teammate and Spanish Red Bull protege Jaime Alguersuari. New Zealander Brendon Hartley, a third Carlin driver, is in third place with 192 points.
Turvey, racing on his first ever street circuit in Bucharest, produced two second-place finishes from two front row starts to ensure he goes into the final races as the favourite.
He said, post-race: “I got off the line well. But going into the first turn I was on the slippery part of the track and couldn’t slow down enough to get into the first corner.
“That meant I ran wide a little. It was regrettable but not intentional and unfortunately allowed Jaime through. After that it simply wasn’t possible to regain the lead.
“But with two second places in the bag I’m not too disappointed. Since Thruxton we’ve been on the podium in every race apart from Spa where we had the mechanical problem.
“That gives me a 12 point lead going to Donington where I’m really confident. It’s one of my favourite tracks.”