Dennis Hauger wins from twelfth in frantic FIA Formula 3 opener in Austria
Dennis Hauger has won the first race of the FIA Formula 3 weekend in Austria in a remarkable drive from 12th on the grid.
Dennis Hauger celebrates his remarkable victory at the Red Bull Ring. (FIAFormula3)
Hauger finished ahead of Olli Caldwell and Logan Sargeant after leaders Matteo Nannini and Clement Novalak fell out of contention in a late-race collision.
Sargeant led the field away from pole position but was caught by the fast-starting Nannini, who took the lead into Turn 1.
Novalak passed Australian Jack Doohan in a battle of the Trident teammates, and the French driver was up into third by Turn 3.
The running order settled in until Lap 6, when Victor Martins ran wide in the technical middle sector, losing two positions to Doohan and Dennis Hauger - up to sixth after starting twelfth on the grid.
All eyes were on the battle for the race lead, with battle pack emerging as the top eight separated themselves from the rest of the field.
Dennis Hauger on-track at the Red Bull Ring. (Formula Motorsport)
Hauger passed Doohan on Lap 11, as Novalak took the lead from Nannini and Sargeant, the top four cars scrambling for position throughout the fast first sector of each lap with the lead changing hands multiple times.
Championship leader Hauger was eager to make his mark as the top five pulled away, passing Caldwell and then Sargeant to claim the final podium position.
Novalak was in the lead when he was tagged by Nannini from behind as the two ran side-by-side for the lead, with both drivers sent out into the gravel trap.
"Mate, what was he doing!" cried an exasperated Novalak.
Clement Novalak and Matteo Nannini collide while battling for the lead. (FIAFormula3)
Hauger inherited the lead ahead of Caldwell and Sargeant, who had been dropping away from the leaders but was able to take full advantage of the late incident.
The Norweigan took the chequered flag, having made up eleven positions during the tight race.
“I am really happy with the win. I started P12 and finished in P1 with a lot of fighting along the way," said Hauger.
"I just have to keep the rhythm now going into Race 2."
"I’ll keep pushing.”
Caldwell and Sargeant took the remaining podium positions, with Jack Doohan finishing in seventh after battling throughout the race with Victor Martins and Jak Crawford.
Dennis Hauger on the FIA Formula 3 podium ahead of Olli Caldwell and Logan Sargeant. (Formula Motorsport)
Hauger extends his lead of the championship, ahead of Martins and Doohan.
Calan Williams was ninteenth after a five-second penalty for forcing another car off-track early in the race.
He survived a wild moment through Turns 7 and 8 as the rear of his Jenzer stepped out, but was able to recover in a solid midfield drive.
“I accept the ruling and will see what I can do from there in Race 2!” said Williams.
