Alex Peroni has scored his first FIA Formula 3 Championship points after a mixed weekend at  Circuit Paul Ricard in France.

 

The Tasmanian had a slow start to the weekend, placing 25th in practice before improving dramatically in qualifying to start the first race in 10th place.

 

As soon as the race started, it was clear that Peroni was on a mission and he managed to climb as high as sixth towards the end of the 20 lap race.

 

As the race reached its final stages, Peroni began to slow due to tyre degradation and damage to his car’s floor affecting aerodynamics, which in turn saw him drop to eighth where he stayed for the remainder of the race.

 

“I was pleased to qualify in the top 10 in the first time and score my first FIA F3 Championship points, but disappointed not to hold onto sixth place in the race,” Peroni said after Saturday’s race.

 

“My tyre grip dropped off a cliff in the second half, and the car’s balance changed after the floor was damaged over a kerb.

 

“Thanks to Campos Racing and my sponsors and supporters. Without them I wouldn’t be able to contest this year’s FIA Formula 3 Championship.”

 

Peroni’s eighth saw him start in pole position for the reverse grid second race and the 19-year-old held his own throughout, defending his lead well for the first half.

 

Unfortunately, the car's tyres once again caused him issues and Peroni was unable to hold onto his lead, dropping outside the top 10 in the process and finishing in 14th.

 

After gaining his first points for the year, Peroni now sits in the top half of the competition in 15th outright with four points, while the weekend’s race two winner Robert Shwartzman occupies top spot with 70 points.

 

The FIA Formula 3 Championship will once again compete as a F1 support category this weekend at the Red Bull Ring in Austria for the third round.