F2-C1: Artem Markelov ahead of Norman Nato in Bahrain

Norman Born was very close to winning the first FIA event of the season F2 on the route from Sakhir to Bahrain. The Frenchman from Arden was in a good position to win but could do nothing against the return ofArtem Markelov (Russian Time) in the last laps.

After getting the better of the pole sitter Charles Leclerc (Prema Racing) on ​​the third lap, Nato gave in to the Monegasque on the eighth lap before seeing Markelov come back on his heels to gain second place.

The Russian managed to overtake on lap 14, just before Nato dived into the pit lane. The Frenchman, who had seen Leclerc return to the lead after his stop, took first place from the GP3 Series champion straight away and seemed to be on a faster pace than his pursuers with his soft tires.

But that was without counting on the lightning comeback of Artem Markelov at the end of the race, who overtook Leclerc then Nato in quick succession to win under the checkered flag. Norman Nato and Charles Leclerc complete the podium ahead of Jordan King (MP Motorsport) and Oliver Rowland (DAMS).

Alex Albon (ART Grand Prix) follows in sixth position ahead of Luca Ghiotto (Russian Time), Nobuharu Matsushita (ART Grand Prix), Antonio Fuoco (Prema Racing) and Nyck De Vries (Rapax).

The second race will take place tomorrow at 13:10 p.m. French time, with Matsushita on pole.

Ranking F2 C1 Bahrain