Fortec Motorsports returned to GB3 Championship action over the weekend (16–18 May) as Stefan Bostanjiev continued to make gains in performance and pace at Circuit Zandvoort.
At the home of the Dutch Grand Prix, Stefan delivered a solid showing in Thursday’s test session and carried that momentum into Friday’s practice, ending the day 12th fastest in the final run. In cooler, blustery conditions for Saturday morning’s qualifying, he posted 14th in Q1 and 15th in Q2, closing the gap to the frontrunners in only his first year of single seater competition.
In race one later that afternoon, Stefan was battling 14th place at turn one when he was forced wide over the gravel, costing him time. Undeterred, he fought back to cross the finish line 15th and was subsequently promoted to 14th after a post race penalty for his rival. On Sunday morning he made an excellent start to race two, up to 12th on the opening lap, but a slight off at dropped him to 17th. Demonstrating his racecraft once more, he recovered two positions to finish 15th.
The sun returned for the final race, and Stefan again found himself in a tight battle for 14th with the same competitor from race one. Similar tactics meant he was pushed to the edge of the track and fell to 17th, though he immediately reclaimed one place. After two Safety Car periods, racing resumed for the last two laps and while battling for 12th, he was again forced off line and ultimately was not able to complete the final lap.
The team and Stefan will now work hard to maintain this positive trajectory as the GB3 Championship heads to Spa Francorchamps, Belgium, for the weekend of 30 May–1 June.
Stefan Bostanjiev #23
Grid 1 – 14, Race 1 – 14
Grid 2 – 15, Race 2 – 15
Grid 3 – 15, Race 3 – DNF
