GP3: Ocon beats Ghiotto in Monza practice

Mercedes junior Esteban Ocon set the pace in GP3 practice at Monza, edging out title rival Luca Ghiotto at his home event.

ART Grand Prix driver Ocon stole top spot away from Ghiotto in the closing moments of the session with a time of 1m38.213s, just 0.053s ahead of the Italian. Championship leader Ghiotto led much of the session but couldn't respond to Ocon's late charge.

Early pacesetter Emil Bernstorff was third despite going straight on at Turn 1 and clipping the marker boards. Matt Parry left it late to climb the order and take fourth, edging out Carlin's Mitch Gilbert in the process.

Ocon's ART teammate Marvin Kirchhofer traded fastest times with several others early on but failed to improve and could only manage sixth.

Jenzer Motorsport's Matheo Tuscher and Trident's Artur were also among those to improve in the closing stages. The pair finished seventh and eighth ahead of Kevin Ceccon and Ralph Boschung who completed the top 10.

Ferrari protege Antonio Fuoco failed to make the top 10 at his home event after having one of his fast laps hampered by traffic at the Parabolica.

GP3 newcomers Brandon Maisano and Amaury Bonduel finished their first session 16th and 21st, respectively.

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Originally on Autosport.com