Hillspeed’s Maxim Rehm produced a faultless drive to take his maiden 2025 GB3 victory in Race 3 at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza on his debut weekend. The German rookie held firm under intense pressure throughout the 13-lap contest to cap a thrilling end to the 2024 GB3 season. Meanwhile, Patrick Heuzenroeder clinched the runner-up spot in the championship standings after finishing fifth in a race filled with overtakes and tactical battles.
At the start, Rehm launched strongly from reverse-grid pole. Behind him, Deagen Fairclough made a lightning getaway from ninth, surging through the field to challenge for the lead at the first chicane. He briefly edged ahead before Rehm retaliated to reclaim first position as Gianmarco Pradel joined the battle. Consequently, the front trio traded positions several times through the opening laps, while Abbi Pulling also joined the lead train after a rapid start from third.
Constant pressure at the front
Although Fairclough briefly led, Rehm managed to reassert control with calm precision. The Hillspeed driver faced relentless pressure but refused to crack. Lap after lap, Fairclough’s Hitech car remained within striking distance, while Pradel searched for an opening behind them. As the top three duelled, the pack bunched up and the lead group ran nose-to-tail through Monza’s iconic chicanes.
Further back, Heuzenroeder remained focused on the championship battle. He started outside the top five but gradually moved forward, showing both patience and control. Meanwhile, the earlier advantage swung toward Fairclough as he continued to attack Rehm. However, Rehm absorbed the pressure superbly, managing the slipstream effect and defending into Rettifilo and Roggia with confidence.
Middle phase and key developments
As the race progressed, drama unfolded deeper in the field. Champion Alex Ninovic slipped to 18th after running wide into the gravel exiting Lesmo Two, but he recovered with impressive pace. Through determination and consistent speed, he climbed back into the top 10 and eventually reached seventh place. Meanwhile, Pulling continued to fight among the leaders, maintaining a strong rhythm and defending her position with composure.
At the sharp end, Rehm’s racecraft shone through. Although Fairclough never gave up the chase, the Hillspeed driver demonstrated maturity far beyond his GB3 experience. He handled each braking zone precisely and exited the corners cleanly to neutralise attacks. Despite repeated challenges from Fairclough and Pradel, Rehm held firm.
Final laps and decisive moments
In the closing laps, the tension increased. Fairclough and Pradel continued to swap places for second, while Rehm resisted every move with determination. Fairclough reclaimed second position as the penultimate lap began, but Rehm’s calm control ensured he remained ahead. Pulling also stayed close to the leading trio, keeping her Rodin car within striking distance as the race reached its climax.
As the chequered flag fell, Rehm crossed the line 0.636 seconds clear of Fairclough to claim his first GB3 win. Pradel finished just 0.774 seconds behind in third, while Pulling secured fourth after another consistent and competitive performance.
Championship decided in the midfield
While the battle for victory thrilled the crowd, all eyes turned to the championship fight behind. Heuzenroeder entered Race 3 13 points ahead of Fairclough, with Pradel a further point adrift. Fairclough’s second-place finish kept the pressure on, but Heuzenroeder’s measured drive to fifth ensured he held onto the runner-up position by five points. Pradel’s podium left him nine points short of third in the standings.
Further back, Ninovic completed his champion’s season with another recovery drive, finishing seventh after his early off. Lucas Fluxa finished eighth, while Noah Lisle and Newman Chi rounded out the top 10. Keanu Al Azhari again impressed, climbing from 22nd to 11th.
Classification: Race 3: Monza
- Maxim Rehm, Hillspeed – 13 laps
- Deagen Fairclough, Hitech TGR – +0.636s
- Gianmarco Pradel, Rodin Motorsport – +0.774s
- Abbi Pulling, Rodin Motorsport – +1.171s
- Patrick Heuzenroeder, Xcel Motorsport – +1.431s
- Reza Seewooruthun, Argenti with Prema – +2.278s
- Alex Ninovic, Rodin Motorsport – +2.690s
- Lucas Fluxa, Hillspeed – +2.944s
- Noah Lisle, JHR Developments – +5.140s
- Newman Chi, Hillspeed – +5.805s
- Keanu Al Azhari, Hitech TGR – +6.061s
- Jack Sherwood, Xcel Motorsport – +8.092s
- Kabir Anurag, Xcel Motorsport – +8.364s
- Kai Daryanani, JHR Developments – +15.235s
- Patricio Gonzalez, VRD Racing – +15.295s
- August Raber, Argenti with Prema – +15.621s
- Isaac Phelps, Elite Motorsport – +16.165s
- Bart Harrison, JHR Developments – +16.791s
- Enzo Tarnvanichkul, VRD Racing – +17.664s
- Flynn Jackes, Elite Motorsport – +26.696s
- Rodrigo Gonzalez, VRD Racing – +27.233s
- Bianca Bustamante, Elite Motorsport – +32.612s
The GB3 season finale at Monza provided the perfect mix of tension, strategy, and celebration. Rehm’s maiden victory showcased composure under fire, while Heuzenroeder’s fifth-place finish confirmed his runner-up status in the championship. Fairclough’s determined second and Pradel’s third capped off a strong season for all three, as champion Ninovic closed out a dominant campaign with yet another spirited drive.
