Xie thrilled with milestone win to become first Chinese F3 victor

DAMS Lucas Oil’s Gerrard Xie says he is “super proud” after earning his first ever win in FIA Formula 3, taking the top spot in the Monte Carlo Sprint Race.

Xie finished second on the road but was promoted to P1 after a post-session technical infringement meant Hiyu Yamakoshi was disqualified.

Reflecting on his achievement, the Chinese driver said it was a big step in his career “Super happy to get the team their first victory, my first victory, and China's first victory in F3. We're super proud.

“Being Chinese and stepping into this championship to be competing with the top 30 drivers in the feeder series is amazing. And doing that in Monaco is even more surreal.

“China is not a very big country in terms of motorsport. So to represent the country is an amazing feeling.”

Xie’s unorthodox trip to the top step happened when the race had long since finished. He described the moment he found out as he came into the F3 paddock early on Sunday morning ahead of the Feature Race.

“Actually, when the results came out, I was already asleep. 
And then when I got up, I was like, okay, okay, focus on today, and then I went into the team, and the team was like, congratulations! I was like, congratulations for what? That was quite funny.”

The DAMS driver added that he felt quick from the word go in the Principality, able to lap at and near the top of the times in Thursday’s Practice session.

He believes there might even have been more on offer after he made light contact on one of his flying laps, ultimately losing himself some time.

“I’ve always enjoyed street circuits. And even from the first push in FP, we were right on the pace.

“In Qualifying, there was a bit of a mistake in the last sector. I touched the wall a bit after the swimming pool and lost a bit of time, but no, still good and still managed to get P6 in the group.”

Up next is a visit to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, a track the drivers have already been to this season following pre-season testing.

Xie says it will be important to use the momentum of Monaco in pursuit of more positive results as the European season rolls on.

“From the pre-season tests, we look pretty good there overall. And I hope we can do pretty much the same or not even better.

“I mean, with my both teammates, we’ve been quite strong in Barcelona as well. Hopefully we'll get more points for the team.”