Volkswagen driver Mortara is 'Vice' Champion of Formula 3 Euro Series

Volkswagen driver Edoardo Mortara secured the 'vice' champion's title in the 2008 Formula 3 Euro Series. At the Hockenheim finale the Italian finished sixth, and thus in the points, and as the overall runner-up behind the new Champion Nico Halkenberg (Emmerich/Mercedes-Dallara). In addition, the Volkswagen Signature team for the first time clinched second place in the team classification of the leading feeder series for young talent. For Volkswagen, the first full season in the European series ended with a successful tally: on the ten race weekends, the drivers powered by engines from Wolfsburg achieved three victories and a total of 13 podium places.

After a successful qualifying session and grid position three, Edoardo Mortara was headed for the podium in Saturday's race before a drive-through penalty due to driving over a track marking caused him to drop to 18th place. Afterwards, the Italian made a forceful recovery to twelfth place. In the meantime, his team-mate Jean Karl Vernay (France) moved forwards to fifth place after having started from twelfth on the grid.

On Sunday, both drivers continued their strong showing: Mortara clinched sixth place while Vernay finished fourth. However, because the race was stopped prematurely after an accident, both drivers were awarded only half of the championship points.

Kris Nissen, Volkswagen Motorsport Director: "The Formula 3 engine from the Volkswagen Group has worked extremely well in its first full year in the Formula 3 Euro Series. We were always able to finish among the top ten on our own strength; in addition, the engines were running perfectly. With three victories, Volkswagen not only achieved more than expected, but even more than we'd been secretly hoping for. The good results can be attributed to the first-class teamwork between the engineers, the teams and the drivers. Next year we'll continue our commitment in the Formula 3 Euro Series and again expect to encounter strong rivals and close competition. We'll also maintain our commitment in the ATS Formula Cup and may even add another championship.