Arvid Lindblad dominates as Toyota FR Oceania hits halfway point at Manfeild

A victory for Arvid Lindblad is no surprise in this year's Toyota Formula Regional Oceania series, but the Red Bull driver stepped it up a notch with a stunning lights-to-flag victory at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon.

The championship leader had a sterling start and soon raced away to a two-second lead on the American duo of Nikita Johnson and Josh Pierson, who were left to battle for the remaining podium positions.

"It felt good to drive," said the Red Bull junior.

"I was really comfortable; the team gave me an amazing car and it was good to get the job done."

"I’m really happy with the car and the pace was really strong.

"I wasn’t too happy on Thursday, and I said that; and we’ve worked hard over the last few days to improve the package, and we’ve done that."

Pierson mounted a tight challenge on his countryman for second, but could never get close enough for an overtake, finishing third but demoted to fifth after a penalty. Australian Patrick Heuzenroeder once again showed his form in the midfield, crossing the line in fourth and promoted to the final podium position.

At the start it was fellow Aussie Tommy Smith who made a grand entrance in his first round of the series, up into second and mounting a challenge on Lindblad as they ran into the infield.

An awkward moment with Pierson sent Smith off the track and out of contention, dropping back through the field. The two, slated to be teammates in the Indy NXT category later this year, had raced hard through the opening corners before Smith took avoiding action onto the grass.

Smith recovered to fifth on the track, promoted to fourth when Pierson took a five-second penalty for not leaving enough space.

Sebastian Manson was the top Kiwi, finishing sixth after a battle with fellow local hopes Alex Crosbie and Zack Scoular. Scoular drove well to make up four spaces off the start and finish in reverse-grid pole position for Sunday's sprint race.