Alex Lynn extended his lead in the GP3 drivers’ championship despite failing to get on the podium in Hungary.

Dunmow Broadcast: Alex Lynn extended his championship lead with two fourth-placed finishes in Hungary. Picture: GP3Alex Lynn extended his championship lead with two fourth-placed finishes in Hungary. Picture: GP3 (Image: Archant)

The 20-year-old Great Dunmow racer collected two fourth places at the Hungaroring and now has a 31-point cushion over Richie Stanaway in second.

“I didn’t get on the podium but from a championship point of view it was another strong weekend. I extended my points lead, and that shows how important it is to be competitive every time out.”

In a “frustrating” qualifying session where he couldn’t get a clear run, Lynn had to wait until his last lap to put in a blistering time and take second on the grid, keeping his record of being on the front row for every race intact.

However, a poor start saw him drop to fifth before he rallied to retake a place in turn two. He could have earned another place after second-placed Robert Visoiu came off the track on the penultimate lap but the Arden racer rejoined just ahead of Lynn and kept his lead.

In the second race Lynn moved up fourth having started fifth on the grid. Then, with the chequered flag looming, he was on the tail of Jann Mardenborough but chose to take the eight points rather than push and risk a crash.

“I’m pleased that my points lead is so big,” he said.

“GP3 is all about consistency, as Jimmy Eriksson – who was previously my main rival – has found out by having two bad weekends and is suddenly 49 points adrift of me. That’s how quickly it changes.

“Some time after the GP3 race I had a great time watching the Grand Prix in the Red Bull garage. It was really, really cool, especially as Daniel Ricciardo won. That was great to see, and the race was fantastic – I even went down to watch the podium. As a Red Bull Junior, it’s great to feel a small part of a winning team.”