Igor Fraga takes first Toyota Racing Series win at Hampton Downs

Igor Fraga has taken Race 1 of the Hampton Downs round of the Castrol Toyota Racing Series, ahead of Liam Lawson and Petr Ptáček.

Petr Ptáček and kiwi Liam Lawson locked out the front row of the grid, but it was the Brazilian Igor Fraga, starting from the second row of the grid, who rocketed to an early lead.

Fraga was unchallenged throughout and eventually won by a three-second margin. “It feels amazing,” he said.

“It means a lot. We have been working so hard and after all the hard work, finally the goals start to feel closer. We need to keep focused for the next races and get more strong results."

Lawson’s poor start dropped him to fifth, turning his Saturday into a recover drive to hold onto the championship lead.

Lucas Petersson, Spike Kohlbecker, and Émilien Denner tangled into Turn 2, bringing out the Safety Car. Denner was forced to retire, while Kohlbecker pitted for front wing damage.

Lawson was up to fourth, with Aussie Jackson Walls in sixth at the restart.

The kiwi Red Bull driver broke through the pack, passing Colapintlo, then Collet, before coming to rest behind Ptáček. After a multi-lap squabble, Lawson’s pressure proved to be too much for the Czech’s defense, passing him through the first pair of corners.

Lawson was off after Fraga, but the Brazilian strode away to claim his first victory, with Ptáček in third.

Aussie Jackson walls finished P8.