Portimao: Sam Bird weekend summary

BIRD SWOOPS TO SECOND PLACE IN BRITISH F3 RETURN

Sam Bird made a successful return to the British F3 series today, claiming a second place finish at Portimao, Algarve. The MSA Race Elite Ambassador showed excellent pace all weekend on the new Portuguese track, which now features on the GP2 calendar and is set to become one of the preferred Formula One test circuits.

Driving for the first time in a Fortec F3 car, and having had very little running in Friday practice due to numerous technical issues, the CJ Motorsport managed driver did well to qualify on the second row of the grid -- "I am here to learn the circuit, and although I don't score points in this championship, the aim, as always, is a strong finish."

Starting from fourth, Bird made a magnificent start to put him into the lead. The lead, however, was eroded by the might of the ART car of Jules Bianchi, and Sam also lost a place to series regular van der Zande. However, he re-took second and would not be troubled by the Dutchman again.

Team boss Richard Dutton was delighted "we've endured a tough weekend here in Portugal, but Sam's podium has more than made up for our woes. It was good to have him back at Fortec where he had such a strong Formula Renault season in 2006"

Sam returns to the F3 Euroseries for the next round which takes place in Barcelona next weekend.

-credit: sb