His win, an undisputed lights-to-flag affair, already was the second FIA Formula 3 European Championship race victory this Saturday. Charles Leclerc (Van Amersfoort Racing) took the flag in second place, Antonio Giovinazzi (Jagonya Ayam with Carlin) joined them on the podium after finishing third. Thus, the Italian remains the FIA Formula 3 European Championship points’ leader, but saw his margin from Leclerc reduced to five points.

At the start of the race, Jake Dennis took the lead, while Maximilian Günther (kfzteile24 Mücke Motorsport) initially slotted into second place. The German immediately found himself under pressure by Charles Leclerc, but managed to defend his position in the opening stages. Antonio Giovinazzi and Arjun Maini (Van Amersfoort Racing) were in fourth and fifth place respectively.

On lap two, Matt Solomon (Double R Racing) crashed his car into the barriers and thus caused the first safety car intervention. On lap 14, Julio Moreno’s car (ThreeBond with T-Sport) came to a halt on the track, which brought the safety car out for the second time. A collision between Michele Beretta and Alessio Lorandi (Van Amersfoort Racing) was the reason for the third safety car period. Only at the third restart, Charles Leclerc was successful in his attack against Maximilian Günther, who had to surrender his second place. A few metres later, Antonio Giovinazzi also saw his chance and pulled alongside Günther. The move saw the Mücke driver end up in the tyre stacks while Giovinazzi secured third place. At the same location, where Günther’s car made the track narrower, several other drivers collided later on, causing a pile-up that blocked the track. Red flags were out to allow for the cars to be removed.

Once the action had resumed, Dennis remained in the lead from Leclerc and Giovinazzi. Arjun Maini finished fourth, his best result in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship to date, with Felix Rosenqvist (Prema Powerteam) fifth. George Russell (Carlin) still managed to overtake two opponents in the few laps that remained between the interruption and the finish and secured sixth place. Alexander Albon (Signature), Markus Pommer (Motopark), Sam MacLeod (Motopark) and Lance Stroll (Prema Powerteam) rounded out the top ten.

Jake Dennis (Prema Powerteam): “This race was easier for me than the first one. Perhaps the reason was that I was now used to leading a race. In any case, I was able to pull a gap pretty quickly, only to lose it again every time the safety car came out. Nevertheless, it was enough for victory. I reckon we have made another step forward between the first and the second race. As far as I am concerned, it can go on like this in the third race tomorrow.”

Charles Leclerc (Van Amersfoort Racing): “It was a tough race, because it was difficult to overtake Maximilian. Eventually, I managed and I am happy with my second place. The only thing I can complain about in my race was once again my rather poor start.”

Antonio Giovinazzi (Jagonya Ayam with Carlin): “This time, my start wasn’t particularly good, I wasn’t able to make up any positions. The battle with Maximilian was tough, we were side by side and I came out in front. Third place is good and it gives me some valuable points again.”