James Jakes News
James Jakes Race 1 Report - Round 3 F3 Euroseries, Pau
1 June 2008James Jakes kickstarted his F3 Euroseries title campaign with an inch-perfect drive to his first win of the year around the streets of Pau.
After a difficult start to the season while he adapted to the unique driving style required by the ART Grand Prix car, Jakes led from start to finish to convert pole position into his second career Euroseries win. His drive was especially impressive given the number of his rivals who were caught out by the drying conditions - just 10 cars made the finish as the unforgiving Pau barriers claimed their victims.
"I made a terrible start but took a bit of a risk through the first corner and got to the hairpin in the lead," said James. "First place is a good position to be in, but it's very difficult when you're the first driver to experience the conditions in every corner!
"I just tried to take it as carefully as possible and do everything you need to do in a race like that. There were a lot of cars off so when the yellow flags were out I backed off and I didn't need to set fastest lap so didn't take any risks."
Despite leading almost from start to finish, Jakes twice had his lead slashed by the safety car being deployed, which allowed the rest of the field to catch up. He also had to worry about a battery warning light which came on early in the race.
"The light appeared on the third lap and I wasn't sure how long I was going to last," said James. "I just tried to short shift where possible and make the car keep going!
"I just had to concentrate on making no mistakes because there is no margin for error around here. I'm just really pleased to have been able to win at such an historic circuit. It has been a difficult start to the year, but now I'm getting to grips with how to get the best out of the car.
"My season really starts here - the championship is definitely still possible."