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Multi-car tangle in F1 support race prevents Ellinas and Malja from converting good qualifying pace into top results in Monte-Carlo

Formula Renault 3.5 Series front-runners Tio Ellinas and Gustav Malja fell victim to first corner chaos during round three of the season in Monaco on Sunday, 24th May, with both Strakka Racing drivers eliminated on the spot mere seconds after the start.

Hopes were realistically high at the British team of a strong run during the category’s crown jewel event, supporting the FIA Formula One World Championship, with Ellinas and Malja both delivering good pace in qualifying.

Due to the confines of the famous street circuit, Saturday’s session was split into two groups. Both Strakka drivers ran in the opening session and were closely matched, the Cypriot lapping third fastest with Monaco debutant Malja just 0.2 seconds shy in fourth.

Meaning a sixth place start on combined times for Ellinas and eighth on the grid for Malja, the team-mates each made good getaways at the beginning of Sunday morning’s blue-riband race but high drama awaited at the first corner, Sainte Devote.

As two cars ahead tangled, Ellinas and Malja had nowhere to go on the outside line and came to a halt nose-to-tail. Despite the contact being at relatively low-speed, each of the Strakka cars sustained too much damage to continue. Reflecting on an ultimately frustrating first visit to Monte-Carlo, Swedish racer Malja commented: “Qualifying was good, starting eighth was very good for my first time in Monaco and I had an OK start to the race.

“Going into the first corner, though, it was a nightmare because all of my side of the grid stopped in front of me – there was nowhere to go. Now, it’s going to be maximum attack for Spa.”

Ellinas added: “Our qualifying was OK but it could have been better. All of the guys on the outside line tripped over each other and I had no chance. “I had a badly damaged exhaust from the contact which stopped the engine from running, so I couldn’t continue. It’s such a shame but I love Spa where we go next!”

Strakka Racing has a very quick turnaround now with the next two rounds of the Formula Renault 3.5 Series taking place next weekend, 30th/31st May, at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.

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