Will Bratt scored his first win in the FIA Formula Two Championship with a fine drive in a wet first race at Spa-Francorchamps.
Having started in fifth place on the grid, Bratt ran wide on the exit of La Source, using the run off to move up into second place. He then took the lead of the race when polesitter Ramon Pineiro made a mistake at Les Combes on the opening lap and slipped down the order.
From there he kept a comfortable margin over the chasing duo of Mirko Bortolotti and Christopher Zanella, who completed the podium behind him.
Tobias Hegewald finished fourth after passing Alex Brundle, with Thiemo Storz finishing sixth to record his best finish in F2.
Pineiro recoverd to finish seventh ahead of Mihai Marinescu, with Miki Monras and Kelvin Snoeks rounding out the top ten.
17-year-old Jordan King spun on the opening lap at Radillon, but came home in 17th on his debut.
“It feels like a win that’s long overdue,” said TCF blogger Bratt afterwards. “The conditions weren’t too bad as long as you kept the car online but tricky if you didn’t put the car in the right place.
“I got a good start and went down the outside on the brakes into the first corner and made up loads of time on the brakes; then I just nailed it through Eau Rouge. I’m feeling confident for tomorrow’s race as I’ve been feeling confident all weekend.”
1. Will Bratt, 16 laps
2. Mirko Bortolotti, +2.469s
3. Christopher Zanella, +3.317s
4. Tobias Hegewald, +13.391s
5. Alex Brundle, +19.215s
6. Thiemo Storz, +33.027s
7. Ramon Pineiro, +33.362s
8. Mihai Marinescu, +39.010s
9. Miki Monras, +47.141ss
10. Kelvin Snoeks, +49.947s
