Jake Dennis made the most of his pole position to dominate the opening FIA European Formula 3 Championship race at Portimao on Saturday.
The Racing Steps Foundation-backed Prema Powerteam driver led from start-to-finish to take his sixth victory of the season, with Alexander Albon second for Signature and Felix Rosenqvist third for Prema to boost his championship hopes.
A bad start from front row starter Nick Cassidy shuffled up the order behind pole sitter Dennis, with Albon and Rosenqvist moving up into the podium places, while Lance Stroll was forced to settle for fourth after being delayed by his team-mate’s getaway.
Markus Pommer drove an untroubled race to fifth for Motopark ahead of an equally untroubled Charles Leclerc of Van Amersfoort Racing.
Santino Ferrucci drove an impressive race to take seventh, beating Mücke Motorsport team-mate Mikkel Jensen after battling with championship leader Antonio Giovinazzi of Jagonya Ayam with Carlin, who could only finish ninth ahead of George Russell of Carlin.
After his bad start, Cassidy dropped to the back of the field, and ultimately retired in a collision with the Carlin of Callum Ilott with a couple of laps remaining.
Portimao Race 1 Result
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