Mitch Evans started as he meant to continue by topping the Monza GP3 practice session on Friday morning. The championship leader, beginning the weekend on which the title will be decided, led MW Arden team-mate Matias Laine and championship rival Aaro Vainio of Lotus.
After the monsoon of Spa just one week ago, the field was treated to perfect conditions as GP3 launched the Monza track action at half past eight. Evans posted his best effort of 1:44.477, very much laying down a marker for the rest of the field. There was a brief stoppage when luckless Cypriot Tio Ellinas ground to a halt at the second corner.
With Italians David Fumanelli and Giovanni Venturini making the most of their local knowledge to cement fourth and eighth spots, Will Buller led the way for British honours in ninth; compatriots Alice Powell, Lewis Williamson and Alex Brundle were 12th, 17th and 18th. Támas Pal Kiss momentarily topped the timesheets, but ended his session in the gravel with Fabiano Machado after the pair made contact at the Parabolica.
GP3 now has the rest of Friday off, allowing the tension to rise ahead of a particularly crucial qualifying session for Mitch Evans and Aaro Vainio.
GP3 Qualifying starts at 9am local time (BST +1) on Saturday
Series
GP3
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Mitchell Evans
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MW Arden
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| Pos. | Driver | Team | Time | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |  M. Evans | MW Arden | 01:44.477 | 16 |
| 2. | M. Laine | MW Arden | 01:44.520 | 13 |
| 3. | A. Vainio | Lotus GP | 01:44.621 | 9 |
| 4. | D. Fumanelli | MW Arden | 01:44.750 | 18 |
| 5. | D. Abt | Lotus GP | 01:44.989 | 12 |
| 6. | D. Suranovich | Manor | 01:45.098 | 19 |
| 7. | T. Kiss | Atech CRS | 01:45.163 | 10 |
| 8. | G. Venturini | Trident | 01:45.445 | 18 |
| 9. | W. Buller | Carlin | 01:45.475 | 18 |
| 10. | R. Visoiu | Jenzer | 01:45.555 | 16 |
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| Mitchell Evans | |||
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