First victory for Colombo, bad luck for Vesti

This is one of the particularities of this new format. A driver who has not won a single point until then can unlock his counter… by winning a race. Eleventh in qualifying, the Italian Lorenzo Colombo (Campos) won his first success in F3 ahead of Ayumu Iwasa (Hitech) and Olli Caldwell (Prema) thanks to the reverse grid. 

Starting on the front row behind pole sitter Jonny Edgar (Hitech), the Italian driver managed to catch up with the Briton at the second corner shortly after the lights went out, but an aggressive defensive move from the reigning German F4 champion prevented him from taking the lead. It was ultimately only a postponement when on the 8th lap, Edgar saw his car slow down due to a technical problem. 

Sixth, Hauger once again imperial

Behind, the little train set off on the Budapest turnstile. In comparison with Le Castellet or Spielberg, the Hungaroring is not a major spectacle in the category, with only one DRS zone and no major braking. The only two good overtakes made are to the credit of Dennis Hauger (Prema) on David Schumacher (Trident) then Alexander Smolyar by delaying his braking at the first corner on laps 14 and 20. The championship leader once again took the lead by covering five positions. 

Second in the championship before the race, Frédérik Vesti (ART Grand Prix) was once again forced to retire due to a gearbox problem. The Dane, unlucky this year, should have started on the second row in C2… but instead loses a big opportunity to score points. Olli Caldwell (Prema) even took second position in the championship. 

On the French side, Clément Novalak (Trident) obtained an honorable 5th place, which will also allow him to start in the top 10 once again in Race 2. For his part, Victor Martins (MP Motorsport) is the one who gained the most places on track. Starting 24th, the Habs finished 15th but did not hold the reverse grid for race 2. Poleman in Race 3, Arthur Leclerc (Prema) failed in 13th position and also missed the reverse grid pole by just one small place. It is Enzo Fittipaldi (Charouz) who will start at the front this Saturday (17:45 p.m.). 

* Lorenzo Colombo ultimately lost his victory due to a five-second penalty imposed after the race. Victory goes to Ayumu Iwasa.