Dubai-based British driver Ed Jones finished outside the points in Race 3 of Round 1 of the Formula 3 European Championship at Silverstone in the UK yesterday, following an incident on the 12th lap.

Up until the 12th lap of the 18-lap race Jones was in control and making steady progress, fighting for fifth with Carlin team-mate Tom Blomqvist when the car behind him hit his rear tyre, sending the Brit’s Volkswagen engine-fitted Dallara F312 into a spin.

Jones told Sport360°: “I was feeling confident for the last race of the weekend. I had my best set of tyres left over and had tweaked some things with the car to improve the performance from race two.

“Again, I got off to a good start from 7th up to 6th by the second corner. I remained in 6th for about 12 laps until I started to fight my team-mate Blomqvist for 5th position. Unfortunately, during this battle another car behind me hit my rear tyre and sent me into a spin, ultimately ruining my race.

“I fell back to 18th and finished16th. Very frustrating result, however I am pleased with my performance as I was consistently one of the fastest. It’s just a shame there are a few variables you have no control over, but that’s how it is in motorsport. I now look forward to making another step forward with the team for the next round in Hockenheim, Germany [May 2-4].”

The race was won by Antonio Fuoco with Max Verstappen and Esteban Ocon completing the podium in second and third respectively.