Courtney crowned as Japanese champion

[aussie_f3]

From Crash.Net......

With two dominant pole positions and race wins at Sugo this weekend, Australia's James Courtney was crowned 2003 Japanese F3 champion after securing an unassailable points lead with four races still to run.

Having failed to secure a seat in F3000 for 2003, Courtney took the somewhat risky decision to head east, but has seen his determination pay off by continuing his record of winning championships in every category he has contested. He has also landed a Formula Nippon seat with the 5Zigen team that looks certain to ensure he graduates to Japan's senior category full-time next year.

"I'm just so thrilled to have won this championship," the Australian grinned, "TOM's Team Toyota gave me the best F3 car I have ever driven and I'm really proud that I could repay their hard work by securing the championship early.

"I came to Japan with the sole focus of winning this championship and anything less would have been a failure for me. But now it's done. I did what I set out to do and I have a funny feeling that there's going to be plenty of sake and karaoke tonight!"

In a dream week for Courtney, the championship victory followed straight on from a stunning debut in the Nippon championship at Fuji, where he started 16th and drove through the field to take the lead ahead of the mandatory pit-stops, ultimately finishing fourth outright and giving 5Zigen its best race result of the year

[pb btcc]

well done James.

maybe we will see him in a higher series next year.