1 year ago: Billy Monger's life lesson at the Pau GP

The sound system of the announcer of the Grand Prix de Pau may be turned up to the maximum, but the applause of the Béarnais public fails to drown out the heartfelt cry launched by Billy Monger while brandishing his winner's trophy of the 78th edition: " Come on ! », he shouted in an angry expression which can be surprised on the features of his baby face. A few moments later, he gave the journalists a misty look: “Fighting for victory is exactly why I returned to motorsport after my crash. The emotions I felt on that podium, I had kept them inside me for two years (he points to his heart. Ed.)." This barely 20-year-old force of nature has come a long way, in two ways. 

On April 16, 2017, launched at 193 km/h at Donington Park, he was unable to avoid an F4 stationary in front of him. Plunged into a coma for three days, the Briton woke up with both legs amputated. But rather than feeling sorry for himself, Monger made physical and mental efforts not to give up on his passion, and managed to obtain an exemption from the FIA ​​to adapt the steering wheel controls. “I don’t see my disability as a limitation, but as a challenge. I have to overcome challenges that other drivers don't have. Just taking part in a race is an achievement”, he pointed out. 

Anticipation

Billy Monger, after honest results without being exceptional for his only campaign F3 Englishwoman (6th overall with 4 podiums) took the plunge into F3 this winter by entering the Euroformula Open, the former Spanish championship, with Carlin. In this field not very consistent with the prestige of the Grand Prix de Pau (16 entered, 11 classified), the one nicknamed “Billy Whizz” did not really shine during training. His spin at Beaumont Park even caused a red flag during Sunday qualifying.

But from his 11th position on the grid he had a genius idea. “It started to rain lightly during the formation lap. I could see the tire tracks left on the asphalt by the slick cars in front of me. The circuit was too wet. As soon as I understood, I warned my engineer several times on the radio that I wanted to go home. This is also the reason why our stop was effective, the team was ready”he explained. 

While his friends rushed towards the Lycée hairpin, Billy barely regained his momentum, in 14th place. Then began a frantic climb under scattered showers, where he moved 2 to 3″ per lap faster than the leaders. “The first rounds were very difficult to negotiate. The drivers on slicks were going slowly, it was not easy to anticipate their braking points. I had to choose the right overtaking zones and not make any mistakes. I almost ruined my race going through turn 3 (the Oscar bridge. Editor’s note). I locked the front wheels, widened my trajectory too much, and hit the outside rail. But fortunately, Pau gave me a little luck this weekend! »

Back in the Top 3 on the 14th lap, Monger would take advantage of a suicidal attack from Liam Lawson on his teammate Julian Hanses to take control of the Grand Prix. Far from a blessing, it was a poisoned giftwas for the young man. “This caused the Safety Car to come out. I had built a good lead over my teammate Nicolai (Kjaergaard, on rain tires). Ma car was damaged (twisted direction. Editor’s note) due to contact with the rail.

On the restart, I wasn't able to drive as quickly as I wanted. I had to climb the sidewalks less. » Cautiously, the young man stayed the course and scored his first success since that fateful April 16, 2017. “I hope this will launch our title chances. I don't like to set limits for myself. » Back in the paddock, his mother Amanda continued to immortalize the joy of her offspring: “To see him smiling so much is incredible. I'm having a hard time realizing what's happening! We always knew he was good on wet tracks and he proved it. I'm so happy. He has the right to party (Sunday) evening, he deserves it! »

One year later, and while the 2020 edition of the Béarnaise event is officially postponed for 3 to 12 months, it is still impossible to know when the noises of the F3s will reverberate through the homes of the city of Pau, the most unhappy minds not hesitating to replace “when” with “if” in view of the economic crisis to come.