The Italian took the lead on the way to the first corner from Felix Rosenqvist (Prema Powerteam) and went on to win from the Swede. Markus Pommer (Motopark) finished third to score his maiden podium finish in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship. In the drivers’ standings, Charles Leclerc (Van Amersfoort Racing) remains in the lead. The Monegasque took the chequered flag in fifth place behind the best-placed rookie, Lance Stroll (Prema Powerteam).

Antonio Giovinazzi took the lead at the start, but was unable to pull away from his main rival Felix Rosenqvist at any time during the race. Rosenqvist, in turn, never got close enough to the race leader to mount a successful challenge. Both of them pulled clear from the rest of the field in the opening stages of the race already and went on to cross the finish line in first and second place respectively.

Markus Pommer slotted in behind Giovinazzi and Rosenqvist. Lance Stroll and Charles Leclerc, whose team Van Amersfoort Racing is based only 56 kilometres away from Zandvoort, were fourth and fifth right after the start as well. Initially, the two rookie drivers were able to keep up with the reigning ATS Formula 3 Cup champion, but Pommer pulled away more and more towards the halfway point of the race. His third place was never in doubt.

However, Pommer was not the only driver of the Motopark team who was able to celebrate after the finish. Nabil Jeffri (Motopark) was also delighted, having scored his first two FIA Formula 3 European Championship points after finishing ninth. George Russell (Carlin), Alexander Albon (Siganature) and Mikkel Jensen (kfzteile24 Mücke Motorsport) were sixth to eighth while Brandon Maïsano (Prema Powerteam) rounded out the top ten.

Antonio Giovinazzi (Jagonya Ayam with Carlin): “Prior to the race, we already knew that starting from pole position would be important. I focussed on my start and I had a good getaway. After I was in the lead going into the first corner, I just concentrated on keeping my rival Felix Rosenqvist at bay and saving my tyres. I knew that I had a good chance of winning the race when I wouldn’t make any mistakes.”

Felix Rosenqvist (Prema Powerteam): “My start was good, but so was Antonio’s. Then, I waited for him to make a mistake, but he didn’t. At the end, my tyres were worn out too much, because I had been closely behind Antonio for such a long time.”

Markus Pommer (Motopark): “My maiden FIA Formula 3 European Championship podium finish – I am really delighted! It is a fantastic feeling. In this race, things worked out almost perfectly from the start to the finish. I was so concentrated that I didn’t even notice that Jake Dennis, who was standing next to me, made a jump start.”