© Dutch Photo AgencyAnthoine Hubert had an appointment with the History last weekend in Abu Dhabi. Thanks to his skills during the first race of the GP3 finale, the young French driver wrote his name in the track record of the sport discipline, of which he will remain the last champion of the history, Formula 3 taking up the torch of GP3 from 2019. Anthoine joins Charles Leclerc, Valterri Bottas, George Russel and Daniil Kvvat in the history of GP3.
Fighting for the Pole Position
Anthoine and ART Grand Prix conscientiously followed their road map in Abu Dhabi, by not seeking for pure performance during the free trials on the Yas Marina track bathed by a hot sun. During the qualifications, Anthoine immediately assumed the role of leader ending his first attempt with a comfortable advance of 3 tenths over the concurrence.
Anthoine Hubert :
« We preserved our new tyres during the free trials because the new gums are a real asset in Yas Marina. I knew we were well placed at the end of the free trials. During the qualifications, I was trustful and optimistic after an excellent first run, so I didn’t change anything on the car. Unfortunately, my second attempt has not been as good as the first one, but the crucial points were ensured : a place on the top of the grid with the perspective of winning places at the beginning and during the race with the aspiration ».
Free trials:
 | 1. | Giuliano Alesi (Trident) 1:55.676 |
 | 2. | David Beckmann (Trident) 1:56.568 |
| 3. | Gabriel Aubry (Arden International) 1:56.568 |
| ... | ||
| 8. | Anthoine Hubert (ART Grand Prix) 1:57.170 |
| ... |
Qualifications :
 | 1. | Nikita Mazepin (ART Grand Prix) 1:54.885 |
 | 2. | Leonardo Pulcini (Campos Racing) 1:54.952 |
| 3. | Anthoine Hubert (ART Grand Prix) 1:55.041 |
| ... |
The end of the suspense
Anthoine made an ideal start, a good mix of speed and prudence, in order to not let his championship rival Nikita Mazepin disappear, while he tried to avoid the irreparable. Pulcini, Mazepin and Anthoine finished the first third of the race very close together. Wheels in wheels until Mazepin cracked under the pressure of Anthoine… the Russian man short-circuited a turn to remain ahead of the French driver. He got a 10-second penalty. Anthoine had to avoid committing a faux pas. Third at the finish line, Anthoine won his 11th podium and the title of GP3 champion in 2018.
« My first thought was to make a good start and not to be in a delicate situation. I made a good start and I watched Pulcini and Mazepin fighting because it was not in my interest to take part in the fight. I widened the gap with Ilott and I kept my DRS to use it wisely. Then, I heard Mazepin had a penalty, so I could ensure the title keeping my place. I always want to win, but I’m not an idiot ! I preserved my tyres, the title was for me ! ».
Race 1 :
| 1. | Leonardo Pulcini (Campos Racing) |
| 2. | David Beckmann (Trident) +8.6 |
| 3. | Anthoine Hubert (ART Grand Prix) +10.3 |
| ... |
A « fish tail »
Free from the pressure and the challenge, Anthoine wished to fully enjoy the last race of the season. The new GP3 champion made a good start and fought in the heart of the top 6 when he became the meat in the sandwich between Pulcini and Beckmann. The Italian man and the German driver were closer and closer, so Anthoine could not avoid a double contact. The front axle torn, he had to give up immediately. End of the race and of the season as a « fish tail »...
Anthoine Hubert :
« I had nowhere to go and no option to flee from this trap which was closing on me, slowly but surely. It was not the way I wanted to celebrate my title ! But I have no regrets and I will remember the good moments of this season, and they are many : Silverstone, Le Castellet… I only missed the podium in Austria. I thank all my partners and all the people who have helped me since the beginning of my adventure in motor sport. ».
What about now ?
Anthoine isn’t resting, but he’s working hard to prepare for the new season. He doesn’t know his competition programme in 2019 yet, but he will participate in the three trial days on the track of Yas Marina, in Formula 2, from November 29 to December 1st, with the team MP Motorsport.
Race 2 :
| 1. | Nikita Mazepin (ART Grand Prix) |
 | 2. | Jake Hughes (ART Grand Prix) +1.3 |
 | 3. | Simo Laaksonen (Campos Racing) +3.1 |
| ... | ||
| Anthoine Hubert (ART Grand Prix) Abandon | |
| ... |
Championship :
| 1. | Anthoine Hubert 214 |
| 2. | Nikita Mazepin 198 |
| 3. | Callum Ilott 167 |
ALAIN PROST’s tribute :
« Anthoine is a member of our Renault branch, so this title is a good success for him as for us. When we invest a lot, when a lot a people help and support a project, it’s good to see the results of this effort into becoming a reality. Anthoine made a championship with a lot of skills and control, as his first race in Abu Dhabi. He is hard-headed, he thinks a lot, he is stable and he carries hope. Of course, we will help Anthoine to succeed in Formula 2 next year. ».
