Dennis Hauger wins 2021 FIA Formula 3 Championship
Norwegian Dennis Hauger has claimed the 2021 FIA Formula 3 Drivers' Championship in a determined drive at Sochi.
Dennis Hauger celebrates after winning the 2021 FIA Formula 3 Championship. (Formula Motorsport Limited)
With race one brought forward due to weather concerns for Saturday, the weekend got underway quicker than expected, and the PREMA driver took full advantage.
Starting from fourth in the reverse-grid opening race of the weekend, Hauger quickly moved past Red Bull junior Jak Crawford and set about chasing down Victor Martins for second.
Championship rival Jack Doohan was in twelfth for the reverse-grid race after qualifying in pole position, and fell down to fifteenth after a hectic opening lap.
With no threat to his championship hopes, Hauger had seven laps to catch Logan Sargeant to seal his championship with a race win, but a late virtual safety car neutralised the battle.
At the restart, Hauger couldn't get past Sargeant, finishing second and claiming the title.
"This title means everything to me, getting back after a difficult year and winning the championship is unreal," said Hauger.
"It's been a great season with PREMA, and I'm really happy that we finished on top."
"Today's race was quite good as well, as we managed to work our way up and almost take P1."
"I feel like I didn't take unnecessary risks."
"I had a decent pace, and from qualifying where we weren't the strongest, we did some changes in the right direction."
"Obviously, when you see a gap, you have to go for the gap, so I went for it, and I really enjoyed the racing. It's the best feeling I ever had for being second."
Dennis Hauger celebrates at Sochi. (Supplied)
With the race brought forward, Hauger now has Saturday to celebrate before vying for the Teams' Championship for PREMA Racing on Sunday.
"If I had to pick the highlights of the year, taking pole and victory in the first race at Barcelona was special because it gave me a good start and a confidence boost," he said.
"Coming from P12 to P1 in Red Bull Ring was also amazing."
"But even at Spa where we had a bit of a downfall, we worked hard as a team to get some points there as well."
Like 2020 champion Oscar Piastri before him, Hauger's consistent form in an unpredictable championship was the secret to his success.
"Consistency was the key," he said.
"I had an excellent connection with the team straight away, and I have to say a great thank you to everyone involved."
"Putting the work down with the team, the preparation, getting set for the races, and traveling has been hard work but extremely enjoyable as well."
Victor Martins finished third in the race, with Jack Doohan in fifteenth and fellow Aussie Calan Williams in nineteenth.
Doohan is second in the championship and will look to lock in the position on Sunday.
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