Isack Hadjar wins FIA Formula 3 opener after Oliver Bearman penalised

French driver Isack Hadjar took out the FIA Formula 3 opener in Bahrain after leader Oliver Bearman was penalised for violating track limits.

Bearman battled with Zak O'Sullivan from the line but wasn't able to make his way through in the initial stages.

The pair drew away from the pack until Bearman made a surprise move for the lead and sped away to the chequered flag, eventually taking a three-second advantage over Hadjar who made it up to second.

Bearman was shown a black-and-white warning flag for track limits towards the end of the race, with the PREMA Racing driver eventually receiving a five-second penalty just after crossing the finish line.

Hadjar took his maiden victory, promoted to the top spot for Hitech Grand Prix as he was on the cool-down lap.

"A good start to the season with the race win," said the Frenchman.

"It wasn’t on the track, but still good points for the championship."

"I think we did a really good race as a team, the car was working really, really well."

"I had some cool fights with the other drivers so a great start to the season."

The battle was much tighter further back in the pack, with a five-driver pack battling away for fourth position, and Arthur Leclerc battling his way through the field to eventually finish ninth after passing Grégoire Saucy and Caio Collet.

With the three ART drivers battling wheel-to-wheel for eighth, Saucy and Victor Martins collided in turn one, with both drivers having to retire due to the damage sustained.

Franco Colapinto will lead the field away for the feature race on Sunday at 7.45pm AEDT.