Dutch driver Beitske Visser stormed to victory in Zolder, Belgium, but second-placed Jamie Chadwick retains the W Series lead.
Chadwick, who started in pole, looked to continue her winning streak in Zolder but, after a controversial start, Visser went straight into the lead.
And that’s where she stayed throughout the 30-minute race while Chadwick and fellow Brit Alice Powell jostled for second place.
The race in Belgium started controversially, as reserve driver Sarah Bovy had plumes of smoke billowing out of her car before she’d lined up on the grid.
Despite her obvious issues, the green flag was waved and the race began, meaning the Safety Car was deployed to move Bovy’s car off the track.
It was a disappointing debut for the Belgium-born racer, who was handed the chance to take the wheel in her home race on Friday.
Almost as soon as the Safety Car had gone back into the pits, it was required once more as a three-car collision happened on track.
Brit Esmee Hawkey made a bold move on Polish racer Gosia Rdest which didn’t pay off and the duo crashed, taking out reserve driver Vivian Keszthelyi in the aftermath.
Keszthelyi was handed the opportunity to race after Emma Kimilainen fell ill just hours before lights out but her debut ended prematurely as all three drivers were forced to retire.
The Safety Car took over proceedings once again but Chadwick failed to make the most of the restart and race winner Visser stretched out a hefty lead.
Chadwick’s race for second wasn’t without challenge as Powell pushed her all the way with the duo overtaking each other numerous times in the closing laps.
Eventually, Chadwick crossed the line just 0.633 seconds ahead of third-placed Powell.
Further back down the grid, Miki Koyama made an impressive charge through the pack as she went from thirteenth through to eighth. Koyama’s jump through the pack was her second one of the season as she mounted a similar assault in Hockenheim where she leaped from seventeenth to seventh.
Marta Garcia, who finished third on the podium in Hockenheim, had to settle for fourth after a tense battle with Sarah Moore who ultimately finished fifth.
The next race will be in Misano, Italy, and, as the series hots up, it’ll be an intriguing battle as Chadwick will certainly be looking to return to winning ways.
Koyama will also be looking to put herself in a stronger position during qualifying as her racing performance proves she can challenge anyone given the opportunity.
After her collision, Hawkey will be handed a five-place grid penalty in Italy as others will look to improve on their opening performances.
The W Series will be in Misano from 7-8 June.
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