Farfus, Draco clinch Euro crown.

Augusto Farfus has rewarded the hard work of Italian team Draco Racing by clinching the sixth Euro F3000 title with one race remaining on the 2003 schedule.

Boosted by the F1-induced absence of his only real challenger Gianmaria Bruni, Farfus crowned himself by winning the penultimate race of the year at Jerez, where he was joined on the podium by Draco team-mate Sven Heidfeld.

Still only 20 years of age, the Brazilian relied on a string of constant performances on the track, having finished to the podium at every round bar one - at Brno, where he was collected by a fast-starting Bruni while leading. In eight races, Farfus' seven podiums have included four victories, to which he ahs added three fastest laps and five pole positions.

He was joined on the Jerez podium by team-mate Heidfeld, who overcame chest pains earlier in the season to finish strongly and take a well-deserved first top three result.

"Here at Jerez, I won my first championship with Rubens Barrichello and, now, in 2003, I can close my career as team manger in the best way - by winning my sixth championship," Draco boss Nadia Morini said, "I'm really happy, and I must thank my drivers and my team for my happiness. I'll never leave the team, because is part of my life."

With the championship now in his pocket, the Brazilian will race for another victory at the season finale in Cagliari on 2 November.