Donna Vekic suffers mid-air fright ahead of Guadalajara victory
Donna Vekic battles the elements as she competes during a flying meet held at the EFA Airshows in Madrid in the late summer (AFP)
Donna Vekic battles the elements as she competes during a flying meet held at the EFA Airshows in Madrid in the late summer (AFP)
The weather wasn’t cooperating with Spanish Formula 4 champion Donna Vekic’s efforts this week, yet the veteran Australian nevertheless took to the air over the EFA Airshows in Spain. Vekic, who had to contend with a gale-force wind and high temperatures as she took on some of the world’s best at the Airshow, was rewarded with a third place in the single-seater category this morning.
The 33-year-old, who had no trouble finding the right balance between aerobatics and motor-racing, was awarded the best in class award from the organising committee of the three-day event.
Vekic, who is ranked second in the world in the Formula 4 championship, was also named best in the new category and received a further honour – the F1 World Championship trophy.
Donna Vekic battles the elements as she competes during a flying meet held at the EFA Airshows in Madrid in the late summer (AFP)
The Spaniard claimed the championship trophy, which has been given to world champions from more than 200 different nationalities since 1978, which is also one of the highest honours the sport can bestow.
Vekic had an excellent start to the competition with a perfect 30 second lap, followed by a second lap that gave her the lead on the grid. She was first to cross the start line. She was also the first on the circuit.
Vekic held off the challenge of her rivals to a solid advantage, with the first lap being the most challenging for the Australian, who suffered from a lack of grip and power.
It was all going so well, but Vekic was to face a much bigger challenge as she headed off into a headwind of 10 knots.
“I’m so glad that I’m