Motorsport: Horror start for Hartley

Technical problems have caused New Zealand driver Brendon Hartley to get off to a slow start in the European Formula Three series as he finished 19th in this morning's first race of the first round at Germany.

Hartley started from 14th on the grid and although inside the top eight with the fastest laps on the Hockenheim circuit, he slipped down the leaderboard to eventually finish 19th.

The race was won by Monaco's Stefano Coletti. Second was Spain's Roberto Merhi with English top qualifier Sam Bird taking third.

Hartley has a chance to make amends in tomorrow morning's second race.

- NZPA