Double DNF ends Alex Albon's title dreams

2016 GP3 Series Round 9
Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Saturday 26 November 2016.
Alexander Albon (THA, ART Grand Prix)
Photo: Sam Bloxham/GP3 Series Media Service.
ref: Digital Image _SLB0694 — 2016 GP3 Series Round 9 Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Saturday 26 November 2016. Alexander Albon (THA, ART Grand Prix) Photo: Sam Bloxham/GP3 Series Media Service. ref: Digital Image _SLB0694

With an outside chance of beating team-mate Charles Leclerc heading into the final round, Albon made the ideal start as he qualified for the first race from pole position.

Knowing he needed a win to remain his slim title hopes alive, Albon battled with Jack Aitken for the lead.

On lap 11, disaster struck when the pair collided, eliminating Albon and ending his chances of taking the championship, handing it to Leclerc.

Racing for second place in the overall standings in Race 2, Albon suffered his second collision of the weekend, this time with Tatiana Calderon as he battled through the field, once again ending his race early.

But regardless of the results, he kept hold of second place in the title race, with Antonio Fuoco unable to do enough to usurp him from the position.

Albon could celebrate the team title though, with his ART team securing the crown.