Monger takes first British F3 pole at Donington, 17 months after crash
Billy Monger has claimed his maiden British Formula 3 pole position at Donington Park, just 17 months since his life-changing accident at the circuit.
The 19-year-old hit the back of a stationary car at high-speed at the Leicestershire circuit during a British F4 race last year, leading to the amputation of both his lower legs and a month-long spell in hospital.
Billy Monger has claimed his maiden British Formula 3 pole position at Donington Park, just 17 months since his life-changing accident at the circuit.
The 19-year-old hit the back of a stationary car at high-speed at the Leicestershire circuit during a British F4 race last year, leading to the amputation of both his lower legs and a month-long spell in hospital.
Remarkably, Monger got back behind the wheel of a race car just three months after his crash, driving specially-adapted Fun Cup endurance machinery, before going on to make a full-time return to single-seaters in the 2018 British F3 Championship with Carlin.
Returning to the scene of his horrific crash at the penultimate round of the British F3 season, Monger stormed to his first pole in the series, finishing 0.173s clear of Carlin teammate and title contender Nicolai Kjaergaard.
"To come back here, with the meaning this circuit has to me and my first race back here, to get pole is an awesome way for me to start the weekend," Monger said.
"It's something that I knew was doable, especially after the last few rounds where we've come so close and I've made mistakes. Today was all about doing the job and we've definitely done that.
"In a race situation I'm going to feel a bit different, I was a bit nervous before that qualifying but I tried to use every bit of energy that I had to spur me on for qualifying and hopefully I can repeat that for the race.
"Depending on if I win the race or not, the £150 pole prize might go on some booze so I can make the boys [Carlin] drink out of my leg!"
Monger has taken two podium finishes so far this campaign – including in the season-opening race at Oulton Park - and sits seventh in the drivers’ standings.
Wow, what can I say feels awesome to be back here and to stick it on POLE aswell, I can’t really believe it! Looking forward to the race now, just gunna send it #BillyWhizz pic.twitter.com/meZPrPq5Bw
— billywhizz (@BillyMonger) September 22, 2018
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