Monaco podium new highlight for Mansell
Oscar Piastri was not the only Aussie to stand on the famous Monaco podium, with Christian Mansell also finishing second in Formula 3.
Mansell matched his career best result after falling just 0.8s short of victory in the Feature Race.
The ART Grand Prix driver from Newcastle topped Group B qualifying to secure a front row starting spot and made the most of it.
Mansell pushed winner Gabriele Mini all the way but could not quite find a way past to secure a maiden F3 win.
However, Mansell did not mind, believing his fourth F3 podium and second of the year with was his most memorable.
“The feeling is great. Very sweet,” he said.
“Bahrain was awesome but this is one million times cooler.
“To get it here in Monte Carlo is up there with Melbourne, but this is if not more meaningful to me.
“I was lost for words when I came out of the car. It shows you where my head is at. I was so static.
“Admittedly I really wanted to win, but Gabriele didn’t make a mistake.
“Off every Safety Car restart in your mind you have a chance to try something.
“In fairness he made two very good launches and seized the attack then and there.
“He made it hard for me, but I was pushing him all the way too. I am very happy with my performance.
“It is such a stella way to end the weekends after a pretty average Sprint Race.”
After a tough time at Imola and retiring from the Monaco Sprint, the second place was a nice boost for Mansell.
He has returned to the top 10 of the F3 championship standings in ninth and is full of confidence ahead of the return to the familiar Catalunya circuit.
“I haven’t really dropped my head very much even though Melbourne and Imola especially hadn’t been ideal,” Mansell said.
“At the end of the day, I can’t change what’s happened and we know we struggle with the medium tyre but on the soft and the hard we are very competitive.
“There is no reason why I can’t keep this form going into further races. The head is pretty high.”
Image: Dutch Photo Agency
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