Nikita Bedrin strengthened his position at the top of the 2026 GB3 Championship with a composed victory in Race 2 at Spa-Francorchamps, converting pole position into his third win of the season.
The VRD Racing driver controlled the race from the front after making a clean start from pole. He quickly built a gap over Rodin Motorsport’s Maxim Rehm and never allowed his rivals to mount a serious challenge.
Moreover, the victory marked an important response after Bedrin finished second behind Abbi Pulling in Race 1. With another strong points haul in Belgium, he continued his excellent start to the campaign and extended his Drivers’ Championship lead.
Bedrin pleased with improved starts
After the race, Bedrin highlighted his launch as one of the key factors behind the victory. The Italian-based driver had already shown strong pace throughout the Spa weekend, but he pointed to his improved starts as a major step forward since the season opener at Silverstone.
“Yeah, it was a really good race. I mean, also a really good start. I think that’s the most important thing we’ve improved from Silverstone. Race starts have been quite good. The pace is always there. So, yeah, a really good weekend to be honest. I’m really happy. Really good points once again. And I’m really happy with the momentum that we’re keeping up.”
That momentum has become one of Bedrin’s biggest strengths across the opening rounds. After taking two victories at Silverstone, he added another win at Spa and kept himself at the centre of the championship fight.
Crucially, he has combined one-lap speed with race control. His Race 2 pole lap set a new GB3 qualifying benchmark at Spa, while his race execution showed the same level of composure once the lights went out.
VRD Racing continues strong start
Bedrin also praised VRD Racing’s contribution to his early-season form. The team has helped him maintain front-running pace across testing, qualifying and race conditions, giving him the platform to build a clear championship advantage.
“Yeah, I mean, we’ve done a really, really good work so far. Especially everybody in the team. Really, really good job. I’m really proud of everybody and I’m really happy with the work ethic that we have now. I know you’ve raced here quite a few times in F4.”
His comments underline the confidence currently running through the VRD Racing camp. Although Rodin Motorsport has drawn level with VRD in the Teams’ Championship, Bedrin’s individual form continues to give the team a major advantage in the Drivers’ Championship.
Furthermore, his Spa performance showed how effectively VRD has responded to the demands of the Belgian circuit. Bedrin topped Friday Practice, claimed pole for Race 2, and then converted that pace into victory on Sunday.
Bedrin praises Spa-Francorchamps challenge
Spa-Francorchamps has played an important role in Bedrin’s junior single-seater career, and he once again looked comfortable around the Belgian Grand Prix venue. After the race, he praised the circuit’s flow and racing quality.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s a really good track. It’s one of the best in the world, I would say. Because it’s really great for racing and really great for driving as well. It has a really good flow. So, one of the best tracks on the calendar and I would say in general.”
The circuit rewarded Bedrin’s confidence throughout the weekend. Its long straights, high-speed corners and heavy braking zones created opportunities for drivers to attack, but Bedrin’s clean start allowed him to avoid the battles behind.
As a result, he managed the race from the front and gradually stretched his advantage. By the chequered flag, he finished more than six seconds clear of Rehm, securing one of his most controlled performances of the season so far.
Championship lead grows before Hungary
Bedrin’s Race 2 victory gives him a 27-point lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championship after the Spa round. Therefore, he heads into the next stage of the season with both points and momentum on his side.
However, the wider title picture remains competitive. Rehm continues to lead Rodin’s challenge in second, while Martin Molnar and Abbi Pulling both delivered strong Spa weekends to boost Rodin Motorsport’s overall position.
Even so, Bedrin has set the early benchmark. With three wins from five completed races, improved starts, and strong backing from VRD Racing, he has placed himself firmly in control as the championship moves towards Hungary on 4/5 July.
