ART Grand Prix driver Alexander Smolyar opened the new FIA Formula 3 campaign with victory at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
The Russian started second on the grid before passing reversed-grid pole-sitter Jonny Edgar early on, quickly pulling away from the British debutant, while also claiming the additional points for fastest lap.
Clement Novalak was second for Trident, having surged from sixth on the grid, ahead of Alpine Academy driver Caio Collet in third.
Logan Sargeant was fourth for Charouz, with Edgar, Olli Caldwell, Frederik Vesti, Dennis Hauger, Victor Martins and Matteo Nannini rounding out the top 10 points-scorers.
By finishing 12th Enzo Fittipaldi will start on reversed-grid pole for Race 2 under the new weekend format, with David Schumacher alongside after he crossed the line 11th.
Juan Manuel Correa classified 15th on his first start in racing since sustaining life-changing injuries in a Formula 2 crash in August 2019.
The second race of the FIA Formula 3 weekend begins later today following Formula 1 qualifying at 16:45 local time.
