F3-C1 – Esteban Ocon’s series interrupted.

Poleman this morning of the first race on the Red Bull Spielberg Ring in Austria, Esteban Ocon (Prema Powerteam) had the opportunity to widen the gap in the championship on its rival Max Verstappen (Van Amersfoort Racing), second on the grid. Better off when the lights went out, the Dutchman went inside to try to overtake the Habs and the clash between the two leaders in the general standings left Ocon starting in last position. A small chance in his misfortune, since the Frenchman could have hit the barriers.

The two drivers of Jagonya Ayam with Carlin Tom Blomqvist and Antonio Giovinazzi did not ask for so much and took the opportunity to climb to the first two places and will see the finish in that order. Behind the leading duo, Felix Rosenqvist (Mücke Motorsport) and Jake Dennis (Carlin) fought for third place for a long time, but an attempt by Dennis at the second corner ultimately benefited Verstappen who gained two places in one fell swoop.

The Dutchman, 5th in this first race after being penalized 5″ on his race time, for overtaking outside the limits of the track, returns to the championship 106 points behind Ocon who takes 13th place in the final. Qualifying for Sunday's second and third races will take place in the afternoon.

Find the report of the European Championship of F3 in the 1972 issue of AUTOhebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version and from next Wednesday on newsstands.