Ratoath racing driver Cian Carey setting the pace in the F3 Cup.JPG

Two F3 Cup hat-tricks for Cian Carey

Reigning British Formula 3 champion Cian Carey will head into the third series of races next month in pole position as he sets the pace in the race for the 2019 title.

Carey was in action at Snetterton Park last Saturday and Sunday where he recorded his second hat-trick of victories after an impressive opening series of results at Donnington Park in April.

At Donnington he won the three races in fine style, but it was also the first time that has been achieved by a defending champion.

At Snetterton he was again unbeatable and will be looking forward to the concluding rounds of the prestigious series at that venue next October.

However, last month the Ratoath man got off to a flyer and wasted little time in displaying his F3 Cup dominance once again with a hat-trick of wins for the Chris Dittmann team at the Donington Park circuit in the opening rounds of the series.

THE DRIVER AND THE TEAM

Carey was crowned British Formula 3 champion in October 2018 at Silverstone and it was business as usual for the Meath man and his team in the opening rounds of the new season.

And with strong drives from Phillip and Patrick Jeans and Jonathon Hughes, it was a positive start to the season for the Dittmann team.

“Three wins out of three is a pretty good start to the season. To come back and win all three races is a huge achievement – it’s the first time he’s ever done it," said team principal Chris Dittmann.

“Cian was in pole for most of the qualifying session, but got picked off at the end. However, he was still P2 for the first race and pole for the second and made it count where it mattered."

The morning qualifying session took place in dry conditions with 14 cars out on the circuit, including a number competing in an Invitation Class, but ineligible for the F3 Cup.

While Carey led most of the way, a safety car changed momentum and when the drivers set off for one last quick time, the Ratoath driver was beaten to pole to end in P2.

Carey got off to a great start when the racing got underway again, taking the lead early on in lap four and going on to eventually bring the car home in first place by 0.464 seconds.

Carey started in pole in race two and held his position well to take the win. 

The last race saw Carey take the win again for an impressive hat-trick.
“I was really happy with the weekend, it was a really good way to get things going again. Hopefully we will see more improvement and the other guys competing for the podiums as the season moves forward,” concluded Dittmann.

Last January, Carey was one of six nominees in the Outstanding Achievement category at the annual Meath Sports Awards at Knightsbrook Hotel, Trim.

THE MEATH SPORTS AWARDS 

Cian Carey receiving his Outstanding Achievement award from David Buchanan at Knightsbrook last January

Cian Carey and members of his family and friends at the Meath Sports Awards last January

The last two winners of the famous Leinster Trophy at MOndello Park were from from Meath and wer at the Meath Sports Awards last January - Stephen Daly in 2018 and Cian Carey in 2017 - the Leinster Trophy has been on display at the last two Meath Sports Awards in January 2019 and January 2018
 

THE 2019 F3 CUP SCHEDULE OF RACES TO COME

Saturday 15th June - Oulton Park.

Saturday 17th / Sunday 18th June - Silverstone.

Saturday 31st August / Sunday 1st September - Brands Hatch

Saturday 28th / Sunday 29th September - Donnington Park.

Saturday 19th / Sunday 20th October - Snetterton.