Tauranga driver Richie Stanaway is “over the moon” after scoring his maiden GP2 win at the Monte Carlo Sprint Race.

On just his third race weekend in the Formula One feeder series, the 23-year-old rookie controlled the race from start to finish, giving his Status team its first win in the Formula 1 support category.

Tauranga GP2 driver Richie Stanaway on the podium after winning the
Monte Carlo Sprint Race. Photo: GP2

Stanaway says the tight nature of Monaco means it is critical to qualify well and starting from the front row of the grid gave him every chance at a win.

“If you get the lead in the first corner in Monaco, [and] your pace is good it’s really difficult for anyone to overtake,” says Stanaway.

“After the first couple of laps I knew that if I just stayed focused that was pretty much job done because I wasn’t struggling with any balance issues.  “I just went as hard as I could.”

The Tauranga driver powered past pole man Raffaele Marciello at the start and maintained control throughout the race on May 24.

Stanaway demonstrated a clear speed advantage over Marciello, and by mid-distance his lead stood at three seconds.

He made the most of his dominant pace, power sliding out of the final corner to take the chequered flag.

“Obviously, GP2 is quite new to me: it’s just my third race weekend so to win a race is quite a surreal feeling and of all places to do it as well.

“Yeah, I couldn’t be happier and I’m really happy for the team as well. I’ve really enjoyed it.”