On Saturday morning everybody was on tenterhooks as they waited for the start of the first race of the 2014 FIA Formula 3 European Championship. When the lights went out pole sitter Tom Blomqvist made the best getaway and took the lead from Esteban Ocon, while behind these two Jordan King (Carlin) took advantage of a bit of confusion to move up from sixth to third place.

Blomqvist led from start to finish without ever being under threat from Esteban or King to score his first victory in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship. “I’ve been chasing that win for a long time,” explained the British driver. “Last season wasn’t easy so it’s a good start. For sure I’m gunning for the title this year so it’s important to begin with a big haul of points. It’s a great way to launch the championship.”

Behind Tom Blomqvist, Esteban Ocon held on to second place and was the first rookie even if he came under a sudden attack from Jordan King after the safety car pulled off. The latter completed the top-three on the podium.

In the second race Esteban Ocon made a perfect start from pole. The Lotus F1 Junior Team driver set a searing pace and pulled away from his Prema Powerteam team-mates Nicholas Latifi and Antonio Fuoco. The Italian squad’s three cars led Tom Blomqvist who was followed by Jordan King and Ed Jones (Carlin). The latter was unable to fend off the attacks of Max Verstappen (Van Amersfoort Racing) who got past after three laps.
 
Esteban Ocon led from start to finish scoring his maiden victory in only his second race in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship in which he has taken the overall lead. “I wasn’t expecting to win so soon, but we worked hard this winter and this first success is a great reward,” said the young Frenchman. “I know that I still have a lot to learn this season in terms of driving and managing the championship, but when I start a race my aim is to win and when I compete in a championship my aim is the title. It’s going to be a long, difficult and very hotly-contested season.”

Latifi and Fuoco finished second and third in race 2 giving the Prema Powerteam its first triple of the season. Blomqvist added more points to his tally with fourth place and in the closing laps Verstappen snatched fifth spot.

The final race of the weekend will take place tomorrow (Sunday) with Esteban Ocon on pole again from Antonio Fuoco, Tom Blomqvist and Nicholas Latifi. Start at 09h15.