Formula 3: Tuukka Taponen narrowly avoids crash, takes a swipe at Fernando Barrichello

Tuukka Taponen was all smiles after taking second place in the Formula 3 race at Monza, but the result came after another close encounter with Fernando Barrichello.

The 19-year-old Finn started eighth and became the race's standout performer, passing cars one by one during a dramatic climb through the field. He even overtook Taito Kato and Kanato Le at the end of the main straight, moving from fourth to second in a single maneuver.

“

Maybe Barrichello isn't used to racing at the front. Racing there is a little different.

Taponen had nearly been caught in trouble on the fifth lap. Barrichello, the son of former Formula 1 driver Rubens Barrichello, tried to pass several cars on the approach to a corner but braked too late and spun directly in front of Taponen. Taponen ran beyond the track limits to avoid the collision.

“

Taponen showed his experience in the situation and miraculously avoided a crash with the same man who caused the accident yesterday.

"Taponen showed his experience in the situation and miraculously avoided a crash with the same man who caused the accident yesterday," an international F3 commentator said. Taponen offered his own assessment afterward: "Everyone is racing hard, but maybe Barrichello isn't used to racing at the front. Racing there is a little different."

The near miss recalled Saturday's sprint race, when Taponen suffered a puncture as an innocent bystander after Barrichello and Brando Badoer collided. This time, he reached the finish without damage and challenged race leader Nicola Lacorte until the end, although he could not find a way past. Taponen said the result was especially important after a difficult season and praised his team's progress, saying the car had developed significantly since its early problems.

“

This was a good finish and a good race. It was our team's first podium of the season, and the team deserves this result after all the hard work.