Tom Blomqvist said after his Pau win that his fightback in the championship would take a long time but that it was possible. The British driver proved it today by clinching his third victory of the year at the Hungaroring.

Esteban Ocon set pole after a no-holds-barred qualifying session. When the lights went out the Frenchman was slow to react unlike Blomqvist and Max Verstappen (Van Amersfoort Racing). The two drivers came into the first corner side by side and Verstappen went straight on letting Ocon into second.

Tom Blomqvist and Eteban Ocon were battling for the lead but the Jagonya Ayam with Carlin driver drove home his advantage mid-race with a string of fastest laps. Max Verstappen retired with technical problems handing third to Felix Rosenqvist (kfzteile24 Mücke Motorsport).

Tom Blomqvist combined race craft and speed and was delighted with his win, which is very important for the rest of the season as he closed the gap to Eteban Ocon by seven points. “The start went off well and then I controlled the race in a car that was getting better and better. I’ll have to consolidate this in tomorrow’s two heats, but it’s a great start to the weekend. It’s very difficult to pass on this circuit so you have to be quick in qualifying. I need to take more points off Esteban and there’s still a long way to go!”

Ocon who finished second has a 50-point lead – two victories - in the championship. “I don’t really know what happened at the start,” admitted the Lotus F1 Team Junior driver.” I probably spun my wheels too much and I was fourth as we came into the first corner. I braked as late as possible and I took advantage of Max Verstappen and Lucas Auer going straight on to retake second. It’s another top-three finish; I’ve still got a good lead but you have to watch out.”

Third-placed Felix Rosenqvist also continued his climb up the time sheets with this result. “It’s obvious that our car’s quick, but it’s not easy to drive and that’s why Lucas Auer and I aren’t in our rightful places. But as Tom says there’s still a long way to go. When things are going well for you like Esteban it all looks very easy.  But everybody has an off-day in the season and that’s when you have to seize the opportunity.” Ocon’s been warned. Blomqvist and Rosenqvist are counting on using their experience.Lucas Auer (kfzteile24 Mücke Motorsport) and Jordan King (Carlin) completed the top 5.

Jules Szymkowiak (Van Amersfoort Racing) also drove a great race and scored his best result in FIA F3 European Championship by finishing sixth. Felix Serralles (Team West Tec F3), Dennis van de Laar (Pream Powerteam), Mitch Gilbert (Fortec Motorsports) and Sean Galeal (Jagonya Ayam with Carlin) were the other points scorers in the first of the weekend’s three races.