Dubai: UAE resident Ed Jones became the youngest ever winner of the European F3 Open championship when he finished first and fifth in the final two races at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain at the weekend.

The Dubai-born 18-year-old, racing for Team West-Tec, took the title on 256 points, just nine ahead of closest rival Sandy Stuvik after a dramatic pair of races. Jones qualified on pole for both but, after romping to victory in race one, tyre wear meant he slipped down the field on Sunday and only just managed to cling on to top spot in the standings.

“I am so happy to take the championship title,” he said. “After the win in race one I knew that I could not relax and I had to push really hard in race two to secure the title.

“I am extremely proud to represent my homeland of Dubai in this F3 championship and help make history for my country.”