Martin Cao took his maiden Cooper Tyres British Formula 3 victory after holding off the efforts of Matt Rao at Thruxton.
Cao claimed the victory at the end of a race-long tussle with Fortec Motorsport teammate Rao, with the latter losing out to the Chinese driver off the line.
A start-line incident between Max Marshall and Camren Kaminsky left the American stranded, and soon bought the safety car out at Thruxton, before Rao retook the lead of the race soon after.
Contact between the leading duo soon ensued, with Cao re-taking the lead at the cost of Rao’s front wing. Nontheless, the Brit fought back but could do nothing to reel in Cao out front before the chequered flag fell.
Li Zhi Cong drove an untroubled race to 3rd, with Marshall finishing his debut F3 race in 4th, despite a wheel change following his contact with Kaminsky at the start.
