Italian Edoardo Mortara won the Macau Formula 3 Grand Prix, which was a one-two for Volkswagen. The 22-year-old Mortara, who finished second from pole last year, moved ahead of fellow Signature driver Jean-Karl Vernay of France to win the 56th version of the race.

Macau Grand Prix 2009 Start. Mortara First Away

Mortara emerged early-on as potential winner of the 56th running of the invitation race, which is regarded as the unofficial Formula 3 World Championship. The Italian from Volkswagen partner team Signature finished third in Saturday’s qualification race which determines the grid positions for the Grand Prix. Mortara shot into the lead immediately after the start of Sunday’s decisive race. Following a safety car period his team mate Jean Karl Vernay retook first position. The lead between the sparing partners changed hands once again on lap twelve. Mortara held onto the lead around the tight street circuit till the chequered flag and in doing so improved his result from last year when he also mounted the podium with a fine second place.

Macau Grand Prix 2009. Mortara Celebrates Win

With victory in Macau Mortara finished a difficult season on a high note. After finishing second overall in the 2008 Formula 3 Euro Series the 22-year old moved up to GP2 where he surprised all onlookers by taking a victory on the first race weekend in Barcelona. He only managed to score points on two further occasions in the following races and finished the season in 14th overall.

With his victory Mortara continued a tradition established in the 1980s when Volkswagen powered a series of Macau Grand Prix winners. The Dane John Nielsen triumphed in 1984 at the wheel of a Ralt RT3 Volkswagen. Mauricio Gugelmin (BR) and Andy Wallace (GB) presented Volkswagen with two further victories in 1985 and 1986. This year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans winner David Brabham was unbeatable at Macau in 1989. One year later none other than future Formula 1 record champion Michael Schumacher gave Volkswagen its last victory till this weekend.

Courtsey. Motorsport

Photo Credits. a2zMacau.com

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