The first F3 race of the Spanish GP was the Sprint Race. The Sprint Race starting grid takes the top 12 of Friday’s Qualifying, and reverses them. This put pole sitter Câmara into 12th place, and Bilinski, who qualified in 12th, on pole.
During qualifying, Bilinski originally had the lap time that sits him in pole position for the F3 Sprint deleted due to track limits. After the sessions’ conclusion, the stewards reviewed the footage. They ruled that there were no track limit violations. His lap time of 1.29.379 was reinstated.
Hitech TGR’s Martinius Stenshorne starts alongside him, with Tramnitz and Taponen, respectively in 3rd and 4th.
Green flag waves for the F3 Spanish GP Sprint Race
As the five lights went out, it was Stenshorne who got the start they all desire, forcing Tramnitz to settle for 2nd into turn 1. Taponen had a slow start, and was then collected by Câmara, consequently, Câmara lost his front wing. Stenshorne lost control after Tramnitz tapped his back left, taking himself and Bilinski off into the gravel. Tramnitz ran off with suspension damage. Tramnitz, Stenshorne, Bilinski, and Taponen all retired from this race.
A safety car was released, with Domingues holding the race lead. Behind him Strømsted and Van Hoepen. Meanwhile, Câmara headed to the pit lane, retiring his car as well. This opens up the championship with the two leaders taken out.
The safety car retreats to the pit lane
The safety car returned to the pit lane after lap 5. Domingues led the race start, getting away from Strømsted well. Del Pino attempted a move on León into turn 1, unable to make it happen. Afterward, Giusti put him under pressure. As a result, Giusti overtook both Del Pino and Leon.
Inthraphuvasak battled Benavides through a few corners, unable to overtake him. DRS was activated on lap 8. Lap 1 incident between Nael and Sharp was noted. Inthraphuvasak and Boya moved up on Benavides, by turn 10.
Ramos found room and moved into P3, snatching it from Van Hoepen. By lap 10, Australia’s Wharton had moved from P13 to P6. Inthraphuvasak attempted a move on Sharp, Sharp defending and closing the door for him.
The lap 1 incident between Stenshorne, Tramnitz and Bilinski was noted for post race investigation. Inthraphuvasak made his move on Sharp stick, diving to the inside of turn 1, and took P11.
Nael and Wharton fought through turns 1 and 2, Nael ran off and was forced around the escape road. He came out ahead. The Câmara and Taponen incident was investigated and ruled no further investigation. Tsolov made his move on Van Hoepen, and took P4 from him.
Giusti made his move on Wharton through turn 1, taking P7. Boya took P10 from Del Pino through turn 5. Boya made his move for P9 on Leon into turn 1, Leon not fighting back.
The incidents continue
Strømsted pulled into the pit lane, after he slowed down on track. Ramos took avoiding action after Strømsted slowed on track. This forced him to the edge of the gravel. Tsolov has made it up to P3, closing in on the Championship.
Sharp attempted to go two wide through turn 6 with Del Pino, unable to get past him. They go side by side again through turn 10, Sharp falling behind.
Yellow flags waved after Garfias lost a wheel at the entrance of turn 13. The race finished under yellow flags, Domingues taking the win. Ramos and Tsolov completed the podium.
F3 Spanish GP Sprint Race results
1 | I. Domingues Van Amersfoort Racing
2 | S. Ramos Van Amersfoort Racing
3 | N. Tsolov Campos Racing
4 | L. Van Hoepen ART Grand Prix
5 | T. Naël Van Amersfoort Racing
6 | A. Giusti MP Motorsport
7 | M. Boya Campos Racing
8 | J. Wharton ART Grand Prix
9 | T. Inthraphuvasak Campos Racing
10 | N. León PREMA Racing
DNF | R. Câmara Trident
DNF | R. Bilinski Rodin Motorsport
DNF | M. Stenshorne Hitech TGR
DNF | T. Tramnitz MP Motorsport
DNF | T. Taponen ART Grand Prix
