Race 1: the podium for Novalak, victory for Smolyar

First FIA race Formula 3 of the year and already a podium for a Frenchman. Starting from 7th position after the reversal of the Top 12 in qualifying required by the new format, Clément Novalak (Trident) delivered a crazy comeback on the Montmelo track. The Habs signed their third podium in F3 after securing a good second place.

Author of a great start, the Franco-Swiss found himself in 4th position at the first turn. Behind, as an experienced driver, he was able to take advantage of the Collet-Edgar fight to overtake the Brazilian and take the podium, before defeating, through wear and tear, the young F4 champion ADAC Edgar four laps later. Alexander Smolyar, winner of his first race in FIA F3, owes a debt of gratitude to Oliver Rasmussen (HWA Racelab), who crashed out two laps from the finish and brought the end of the race under SC regime. Caio Collet (MP Motorsport) completes the podium.

As for the other French, Victor Martins (MP Motorsport) did the job by gaining a position to finish in 9th place. He will therefore start on the second row during the second race of the weekend this Saturday (16:45 p.m.). Reshad de Gerus (Charouz) and Pierre-Louis Chovet (Jenzer Motorsport) finished 20th and 24th respectively.

The Monegasque Arthur Leclerc (Prema) fought for a long time for 12th place, synonymous with pole for Race 2, but a puncture ruined all his chances. It is therefore Enzo Fittipaldi (HWA Racelab) who will start in leading position later in the day, ahead of Ralf's son Schumacher, David (Trident).