Hitech TGR’s Deagen Fairclough claimed his maiden GB3 Championship victory in a breathtaking second race of the weekend at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza. The British driver fended off fierce pressure from Alex Ninovic and Gianmarco Pradel in a race that featured multiple safety car interventions, high drama, and relentless action throughout the 12-lap contest.
Explosive start and early chaos
The race began with Ninovic leading from pole position, but the drama unfolded almost immediately. From fourth on the grid, Fairclough launched into contention at the first chicane as Ninovic and front-row starter Noah Lisle went side by side into Turn One. The trio all ran wide through the escape road, with Lisle emerging ahead, followed by Fairclough.
However, further behind, the race turned chaotic. Patrick Heuzenroeder and Reza Seewooruthun tangled on the exit of the chicane, with Seewooruthun making further contact with Newman Chi. All three drivers were eliminated on the spot, prompting the first safety car.
When racing resumed at the end of lap two, Lisle and Ninovic immediately renewed their battle for the lead. Both locked up into the first chicane and again used the escape road, allowing Fairclough to seize the initiative. Within seconds, the Hitech driver stormed into the lead through Curva Grande, while Ninovic slotted into third behind Lisle.
Safety Cars shape the race
Before momentum could build, the Safety Car reappeared. Bart Harrison ended up in the gravel at Turn One after contact with Isaac Phelps, triggering the second caution. Moments later, the action intensified further when Kabir Anurag forced Maxim Rehm onto the grass on the run to Lesmo One, resulting in Rehm’s retirement after brushing the barriers.
Once the track was cleared, the race resumed after four laps. Fairclough executed a perfect restart to maintain control into the first chicane, while Ninovic immediately passed Lisle for second. As the battle continued, Lisle dropped to fourth when Gianmarco Pradel completed a brilliant move at Ascari—mirroring his overtaking style from Race 1.
The race was neutralised yet again shortly after. August Raber lost control and struck the barriers at Parabolica, bringing out the safety car for a third time. As the field bunched up, the tension heightened, with the leading pack preparing for another high-stakes restart.
Fairclough resists Ninovic’s relentless pressure
With eight minutes remaining, Fairclough led the restart cleanly, but Ninovic’s pace proved menacing. Down the main straight, Ninovic closed in and challenged into the first chicane. Both drivers ran deep—Fairclough taking to the escape road and Ninovic cutting the second apex. In a display of sportsmanship, Fairclough allowed Ninovic to retake the lead at Curva Grande, avoiding any penalties.
Almost immediately, Pradel joined the battle, passing Fairclough around the outside at Parabolica for second place. Yet, the Hitech driver struck back at Turn One, reclaiming the position with a confident move. Then, in what proved decisive, Fairclough swept around the outside of Ninovic at the second chicane to regain the lead with a move of pure commitment.
From there, Pradel capitalised on the slipstream to overtake Ninovic for second, giving Rodin Motorsport a temporary 2-3 hold. However, Ninovic retaliated to retake the place as the laps wound down. The intensity continued behind them as Lucas Fluxa and Noah Lisle clashed, sending Lisle to the pits and dropping Fluxa to 13th.
A nail-biting finish
On the penultimate lap, Ninovic attacked again into the first chicane, drawing alongside Fairclough under braking. Both locked up, but Fairclough held firm. As the pair powered through Curva Grande, Pradel closed in once more, threatening to make it a three-way fight to the line.
The final lap saw Fairclough and Ninovic make slight contact at the chicane as they fought side by side yet again. Despite the relentless assault, Fairclough maintained composure and fended off every challenge. By the chequered flag, he crossed the line 0.278 seconds ahead of Ninovic to claim a sensational first GB3 win.
Behind them, Pradel secured his second podium of the weekend to boost his hopes of finishing second in the championship standings. Further back, Keanu Al Azhari produced a standout drive from 20th on the grid to finish fourth, while Abbi Pulling equalled her best “main race” result in fifth.
The dramatic contest saw constant position changes, bold overtakes, and tactical driving at every corner. As the field prepares for the season finale, the battle for the runner-up spot remains wide open.
Classification: Monza: Race 2
- Deagen Fairclough, Hitech TGR – 12 laps
- Alex Ninovic, Rodin Motorsport – +0.278s
- Gianmarco Pradel, Rodin Motorsport – +0.961s
- Keanu Al Azhari, Hitech TGR – +2.619s
- Abbi Pulling, Rodin Motorsport – +3.124s
- Kai Daryanani, JHR Developments – +3.958s
- Jack Sherwood, Xcel Motorsport – +4.176s
- Kabir Anurag, Xcel Motorsport – +4.698s
- Patricio Gonzalez, VRD Racing – +5.458s
- Rodrigo Gonzalez, VRD Racing – +8.863s
- Isaac Phelps, Elite Motorsport – +10.640s
- Flynn Jackes, Elite Motorsport – +11.324s
- Lucas Fluxa, Hillspeed – +16.804s
- Bianca Bustamante, Elite Motorsport – +18.613s
DNF:
- Enzo Tarnvanichkul, VRD Racing – 10 laps
- Noah Lisle, JHR Developments – 9 laps
- August Raber, Argenti with Prema – 4 laps
- Maxim Rehm, Hillspeed – 3 laps
- Bart Harrison, JHR Developments – 2 laps
- Patrick Heuzenroeder, Xcel Motorsport – 0 laps
- Newman Chi, Hillspeed – 0 laps
- Reza Seewooruthun, Argenti with Prema – 0 laps
A well-deserved victory for Fairclough
Deagen Fairclough’s breakthrough victory was the result of courage, precision, and perfect timing. Despite multiple restarts and unrelenting pressure from Ninovic, the Hitech TGR driver kept his cool to secure a richly deserved maiden GB3 win. His ability to recover, attack, and defend across a chaotic race highlighted both skill and maturity. As the season finale approaches, Fairclough’s triumph adds another thrilling chapter to a dramatic Monza weekend.
