Fresh from his 2nd place achievement in Beijing driving for A1GP Team Great Britain, Oliver Jarvis returned to his Carlin Motorsport Formula 3 car for the 53rd Macau Grand Prix.

The famous street circuit, renowned for its thrills and spills, certainly did not disappoint.  It proved to be as eventful as ever with even the experienced drivers finding themselves involved in heavy shunts and other race incidents.

Although just his first Macau GP, Oliver Jarvis who was runner-up in this year’s British F3 International Series and the highest placed rookie driver, was hopeful of success at this prestigious event.

But his fortunes took a turn for the worst due to mechanical problems and numerous red flagged sessions during Qualifying which prevented Jarvis from getting a clear quick lap, pushing him down the timesheets.   Consequently, he started the first race from an unrepresentative 22nd place on the grid. 

Making a good start in Race 1, he pushed hard in the early stages passing the majority of the field to cross the chequered flag in 11th position.

“I knew I had the pace over those in front and made up several places a lap by towing them down the long straight and passing them on the brakes into the second corner.  Eleventh was a good, positive result considering the starting order.  Anything can happen in Macau so I still thought I was in a strong position for the final race,” commented Jarvis.

Remaining in positive spirits for Sunday’s all-important race, Jarvis moved up to 9th position in the first lap, pushing the car in front of him continuously when a safety car was deployed. 

It looked like disaster for Jarvis when the race restarted and his exhaust broke.  Undeterred, he continued his challenge but the ailing car was losing power all the time.  Despite this, he moved up to sixth place as drivers in front of him made costly mistakes.   With the engine deteriorating all the time, Jarvis started to drop back again and as he entered the last lap, was restricted to third gear.  Jarvis nursed the car home in 15th position – the third placed Honda.

“It was a disappointing result but I’m glad to have experienced one of the best tracks and meetings in the world.  Macau was a fantastic event and if I return next year, the experience I have gained in my first outing there will stand me in good stead for a race win there in 2007,” says Jarvis.